Comparing a person's eyes to the stars is a metaphor.
A figure of speech is a linguistic or literary device used to embellish or enrich language, adding different layers of meaning, emphasis or beauty to an expression. These figures can manifest themselves in various forms, such as the repetition of words or sounds ( anaphora , alliteration ), the comparison of elements (metaphor, simile), exaggeration ( hyperbole ), inversion of the order of words ( hyperbaton ), among others. . Figures of speech are frequently used in poetry, prose, and oratory to enhance the expressiveness of the message and capture the attention of the listener or reader.
Tropes
Figures of speech, also known as tropes, are linguistic devices that involve a change or transformation in the meaning of words to create expressive or imaginative effects in discourse.
Metaphor
Establishes a relationship of similarity between two different elements, assigning characteristics of one to the other with the purpose of suggesting an implicit comparison. For example, "her eyes are shining stars " uses the metaphor to compare a person's eyes to stars, highlighting their brightness and beauty.
Metonymy
It consists of designating one thing with the name of another with which it has a relationship of contiguity or association. Instead of using the actual name of the object or concept, it is represented with a related term. For example, "drink a glass of water " uses metonymy when referring to the content (water) through the container (glass) that contains it.
Simile
Makes an explicit comparison between two elements. Unlike metaphor, simile explicitly indicates the similarity between the compared elements. For example, "her hair is soft as silk " uses the simile to compare the softness of the hair with the texture of silk.
Synecdoche
Designate a whole with the name of one of its parts, or vice versa, a part with the name of the whole. It can also refer to the genus by the species or vice versa. For example, " all of Houston is celebrating" uses synecdoche by referring to the entire population of Houston using the term "Houston."
Periphrasis
Use several words to express what could be said with one or a shorter phrase. It is used to emphasize, embellish, or describe in more detail an idea or concept. For example, instead of saying "death", "the last breath."
Antonomasia
Designate a person or thing by means of an epithet or phrase that characterizes it, instead of using its real name. It is usually used to highlight a distinctive quality or a relevant aspect of the person or thing mentioned. For example, referring to someone as "the queen of sports" instead of mentioning their real name.
Litote
Express an affirmative idea by negating its opposite, or an affirmative idea in an attenuated way, in order to highlight the intensity or importance of what is said. For example, "it's not bad" instead of "it's good," or "it's not a little" instead of "it's a lot."
Allegory
Representing an abstract idea or moral concept using concrete forms, such as characters, objects, or situations, that act as symbols. It is used to convey deeper or universal messages through symbolic storytelling. For example, in Plato's Allegory of the Cave , the shadows on the wall represent the limited perception of the world, while the sun represents truth and knowledge.
The contrast of light and darkness can be taken advantage of by using antithesis.
Figures of thought
Figures of speech are powerful tools for enriching language, conveying complex meanings, and capturing audience attention through the artful use of words and expression.
Prosopography
It consists of a detailed and vivid description of a person, highlighting their physical characteristics, distinctive features and peculiarities. It is used to create vivid and realistic images of the characters in the mind of the reader or listener. For example, "The old man had snow-white hair and deep wrinkles that furrowed his face."
Ethopoeia
Detailed description of a person's character, personality, or moral disposition. It seeks to paint a psychological portrait of the individual, showing their virtues, defects, emotions or motivations. For example, "He was a kind and generous man, always willing to help others."
Antithesis
Contrast two opposing ideas or concepts in the same phrase or expression, in order to highlight the difference between them and create a contrast effect. For example, "The Light and the Darkness", "Love and Hate", "Freedom and Slavery".
Paradox
Express an idea that seems contradictory or irrational, but contains a profound truth or an ingenious observation about reality. It challenges the expectations of the reader or listener, inviting them to reflect on the complex nature of the world. For example, "Less is more", "Silence is deafening", "The only constant is change".
Hyperbole
Deliberately exaggerate or magnify an idea, concept or situation, in order to emphasize its importance, impact or magnitude. It is used to create dramatic or comedic effect, and should not be taken literally. For example, "I have a million things to do", "I'm starving", "I was as tall as a mountain".
Irony
Express the opposite of what is meant, so that the real meaning is understood through the context or circumstances. It is used to convey sarcasm , humor , criticism or ridicule in a subtle or subversive way. For example, "What a wonderful day" in the middle of a storm, or "You're so smart" after making an obvious mistake.
construction figures
Construction figures of speech are linguistic devices used in the creation of texts for the purpose of emphasizing ideas, embellishing language, and creating stylistic effects by manipulating grammatical structure.
Asyndeton
Omission of conjunctions (such as "and", "or", "but") between words or phrases in a series, which gives an effect of speed or tension. For example: "I came, I saw, I conquered."
Polysyndeton
Deliberate repetition of conjunctions in a series of words or phrases. This can add emphasis, solemnity, or a specific rhythm to the text. For example: "There were laughter and tears and hugs and shouts of joy."
Pleonasm
Use of redundant words that provide unnecessary information but reinforce the meaning. Sometimes it is used to emphasize an idea or simply for linguistic convention. For example: "Go up" or "Go down."
Chiasmus
It is characterized by the crossed arrangement of elements in a grammatical structure. It is commonly used to create parallels and balance. For example: «The fish swims, the bird flies; "The man walks, the river runs."
Zeugma
It occurs when a term, usually a verb or an adjective, is applied to two or more words in a sentence in a way that is not grammatically correct, but that produces a poetic or humorous effect. For example: "He lost his time and his patience."
Ellipsis
Omission of one or more words that are understood in the context. It is used to avoid unnecessary repetition and give fluidity to the speech. For example: «María wrote a novel; Juan, a poem.
Onomatopoeia allows us to use words to represent sounds, such as rain.
sound figures
Alliteration
Repetition of one or more consonant sounds at the beginning of several consecutive words within the same verse or phrase. It is used to create rhythm, musicality and emphasis in the text. For example: "In the silence only the whisper of the wind could be heard."
Onomatopoeia
Imitation of sounds of objects, animals, actions or natural phenomena through words. For example: "The water fell with a clop, clop sound."
Calambur
A play on words that occurs when a phrase is divided into two or more parts so that when pronounced together or in the proper order they create a new meaning. It is based on homophony or phonetic proximity between words. For example: "I crazy, crazy / I place it."
Paranomasia
Combination of words similar in sound but different in meaning. It is used to create humorous effects, emphasize concepts or generate puns. For example: "whale / is full, forest / voice that."