IXL | Classify figures of speech: euphemism, hyperbole, oxymoron, paradox

Which figure of speech is used in this text?

Parting is such sweet sorrow.

—William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

hyperbole

oxymoron

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question

Which figure of speech is used in this text?

His guardians were extremely old-fashioned people and did not realize that we live in an age when unnecessary things are our only necessities.

—Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray

euphemism

paradox

key idea

Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive.

A euphemism is a polite or indirect expression that is used to de-emphasize an unpleasant topic.

The head of Human Resources would never refer to firing people, only to laying them off.

Hyperbole is an obvious exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally.

I ate so much that I think I might explode!

An oxymoron is a joining of two seemingly contradictory terms.

Some reviewers are calling this book a new classic.

A paradox is a statement that might at first appear to be contradictory, but that may in fact contain some truth.

Always expect the unexpected.

solution

The text uses a paradox, a statement that might at first appear to be contradictory, but that may in fact contain some truth.

We live in an age when unnecessary things are our only necessities at first appears to be contradictory, as a necessity is something that is necessary. However, it contains some truth: when we have everything necessary for survival, we begin to feel we "need" frivolous or superfluous material goods.

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