An overstatement is an exaggeration that makes something seem more important or serious than it really is. We often use overstatements when we explain or describe something and want to amplify the effect of our words.
Overstatement example“While her performance in the movie was compelling, calling it ‘Oscar-worthy’ would be an overstatement.”
Overstatements are used in various contexts, such as politics, advertising, and everyday conversation. However, we must be cautious of them as they can be misleading due to their exaggerated nature.
An understatement presents something as less important, less serious, or smaller than it really is. When we understate something we intentionally downplay it to create various effects such as humor, irony, and emphasis.
Understatement exampleCalling the movie “good” would be the understatement of the year—it received standing ovations and rave reviews from critics worldwide.
Like overstatements, understatements can be used in different contexts including literature, diplomacy, and everyday conversations.
Denotation is the literal or objective meaning of a word, devoid of any subjective feelings or associations. It is the most basic definition that everyone can agree upon regardless of their personal experiences or background.
Denotation provides a concrete and objective understanding of words, which in turn allows us to communicate with each other effectively.
Denotation exampleWhen you say “chair,” others will generally understand what you are talking about; a one-person seat with four legs and a back. Each person may picture it differently (wooden or plastic, an office chair or a dining chair, etc.) but they all share the same denotation or basic understanding of what a chair is.
Published on
June 24, 2024
by
Paige Pfeifer, BA
Revised on
October 29, 2024
A euphemism is an expression that is used in place of words or phrases that may be considered embarrassing or unpleasant. For example, “kick the bucket” is a euphemism for “die.”
Euphemisms are used to discuss taboo topics in a more careful and less abrasive way, whether it be to appeal to an audience or adhere to personal beliefs. Many people who don’t like to use profanity use euphemisms instead (e.g., “heck”).
Euphemism examplesShe is between jobs. [She is unemployed]
Dang it, that was close! [Damn it]
Could I interest you in an adult beverage? [Alcoholic drink]
An elegy is a somber poem or song, typically one that mourns the loss of someone who has died. Its purpose is to express feelings such as grief and sorrow, pay tribute to the dead, and offer consolation.
Elegy example: “In Memory of Major Robert Gregory” by William Butler YeatsNow that we’re almost settled in our house
I’ll name the friends that cannot sup with us
Beside a fire of turf in th’ ancient tower,
And having talked to some late hour
Climb up the narrow winding stair to bed:
Discoverers of forgotten truth
Or mere companions of my youth,
All, all are in my thoughts to-night being dead.
A proverb is a short popular saying that expresses a perceived truth based on common sense or practical experience. Proverbs are short and memorable and are commonly used in daily life to give advice or express a general truth about life.
Proverb exampleIt’s no use switching from one stressful job to an even more stressful one; it would simply mean jumping out of the frying pan into the fire.
When announcing the company reorganization, the CEO reminded everyone that you can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs.
Tom blamed the oven for burning the turkey on Thanksgiving, but as they say, a bad workman blames his tools.
Circumlocution is the use of more words than necessary to express an idea. Instead of saying something directly in a single word or phrase, we often choose a roundabout way of referring to it. Depending on the context of use, circumlocution can be evasive and confusing or a helpful communication strategy.
Circumlocution exampleIn everyday conversation, we use circumlocutions when we say “I wouldn’t mind having something to eat at the moment” instead of directly saying “I’m hungry” or “I’m weary at the moment” instead of saying “I’m tired.”
We can encounter circumlocution in various communication settings, including literature, bureaucratic language, or when we want to be polite.
Horatian satire is a form of satire that playfully criticizes human behavior through gentle and lighthearted humor. The main purpose of this literary device is to provide entertainment to its audience while also offering them useful insights into their own shortcomings.
Horatian satire exampleLate-night variety shows featuring comic skits and impersonations are often considered an example of Horatian satire. They poke fun at politicians, celebrities, and current trends, intending to entertain while also critiquing social issues.
Horatian satire can be found in literature, movies, cartoons, and television shows.
Juvenalian satire is a form of satire that criticizes contemporary individuals and institutions with severity and contempt. The main goal of this literary genre is to make the audience feel angry and frustrated with the current state of the world and thereby inspire social reform.
Juvenalian satire exampleSouth Park, the animated series known for its vulgar and crass humor, is a quintessential example of Juvenalian satire. The show uses exaggerated scenarios and provocation to deal with various controversial and taboo topics while also providing social and political commentary on current events. True to its Juvenalian form, it aims to provoke strong emotions such as anger or disgust, ultimately exposing social evils.
Juvenalian satire can be found in literature, film, and animated television series.
Asyndeton is the deliberate omission or absence of words like “and,” “but,” and “or” from a series of clauses or sentences. This has various effects such as speeding up the rhythm, changing the tone, and adding emphasis.
Asyndeton examplesShe wakes up, goes to work, eats, sleeps, goes to work again.
Our administration has provided the economically challenged with jobs, with opportunities, with self-respect.
We went for a walk. We had some ice cream. We fed the ducks. We came back.
Watch, absorb, understand.
We can encounter asyndeton in various forms of writing, including plays, poems, speeches, and everyday language.
