figure-of-speech

A figure of speech IS a specific kind of rhetorical device. Both entries describe structured patterns of language use: rhetorical-device carves 'a structured pattern of language use designed to produce specific effects on an audience,' and figure-of-speech (metaphor, simile, tmesis, etc.) is a specific pattern within that category. A competent speaker would call a figure of speech 'a rhetorical device.' Sense pinned: figure-of-speech as a linguistic pattern designed for effect, not merely a descriptive label.

Metaphor is a specific kind of figure of speech: it maps one concept onto another using non-literal substitution. A competent speaker would call metaphor 'a figure of speech.' Sense pinned: figure-of-speech as the broad category of rhetorical devices deploying words in non-literal ways (as defined by its accepted definition).

Understatement is a specific kind of figure of speech — a rhetorical technique where something is presented as less significant than it is. Note: sense is rhetorical device classification; a competent speaker classifies understatement as 'a figure of speech'.

Irony is a specific kind of figure-of-speech — using language to convey meaning that differs from, and often opposes, the literal wording. A competent speaker would call irony 'a figure of speech.' Specific→general per Law 9.

A double entendre is a specific kind of figure-of-speech: a word or phrase with two interpretations, deliberately used to produce a rhetorical effect. A competent speaker would call a double entendre a figure of speech. This follows the same pattern as Ezra's accepted irony INSTANCE_OF figure-of-speech and understatement INSTANCE_OF figure-of-speech.

An aphorism is a specific kind of figure-of-speech — a concise, stylistically crafted statement that expresses a truth about the human condition. A competent speaker would describe an aphorism as a form of concise expression. The note pins 'figure-of-speech' in its broad sense: any crafted use of language that goes beyond plain denotation.

A trope IS a specific kind of figure of speech — a word or phrase that carries conventionalized meaning beyond its literal sense (e.g., metaphor, irony, hyperbole). A competent speaker would call a trope 'a figure of speech.' Law 9 — specific→general.

Apostrophe IS a specific kind of figure of speech: direct address to an absent entity or abstract concept. Law 9: a competent speaker would call apostrophe a figure of speech. Direction correct (specific→general).

Metonymy is a specific kind of figure of speech where a thing is referred to by the name of something closely associated with it (e.g. 'the White House' for the US administration). Per Law 9: a competent speaker would call metonymy 'a figure of speech.' Pinned sense: figure-of-speech as defined in its accepted definition — a rhetorical device that departs from literal meaning.

hyperbole IS a specific kind of figure of speech — extreme exaggeration used for emphasis or effect. A competent speaker would call hyperbole 'a figure of speech' (Law 9).

An idiom is a specific kind of figure of speech — a fixed phrase whose meaning is conventional and non-compositional rather than literal. A competent speaker would call an idiom 'a figure of speech.' Direction: specific (idiom) → general (figure-of-speech).

A simile is a specific kind of figure of speech — it uses explicit comparative markers ('like', 'as') to map properties between source and target domains. A competent speaker would say 'a simile IS a figure of speech.' Nearest kind is figure-of-speech.

A euphemism is a specific kind of figure of speech — a mild or indirect expression substituted for one considered too harsh, blunt, or unpleasant. The competent-speaker test passes: 'a euphemism IS a figure of speech.' Nearest accepted kind is figure-of-speech (already contains simile, metaphor, irony, hyperbole, understatement).

A litotes is a specific kind of figure of speech — a form of understatement that affirms something by denying its opposite (e.g., 'not bad' meaning good). The competent-speaker test passes: 'a litotes IS a figure of speech.' Nearest accepted kind is figure-of-speech.

Tmesis (interruption of a word by an intervening word, e.g. 'fan-bloody-tastic') IS a specific kind of figure of speech. A competent speaker of English would classify tmesis as a figure of speech. Specific to general per Law 9.

Direction tested: INSTANCE_OF (specific→general). A hendiadys IS a specific kind of figure of speech — expressing a single idea through two nouns connected by 'and' instead of one noun modified by another (e.g., 'nice warm shade' → 'shade and warmth'). A competent speaker classifies it as a figure of speech.

Zeugma IS a specific kind of figure of speech: a word applies to two or more others in different senses (e.g. 'She lost her coat and her temper'). A competent speaker would call zeugma a figure of speech. Direction specific to general. Law 9 satisfied.

Hypophora (asking a question and immediately answering it) IS a specific kind of figure-of-speech. A competent speaker would call hypophora 'a figure of speech.' Nearest kind: figure-of-speech (not rhetorical-device, which is a higher-level category that contains figures-of-speech as a subclass). Sense pinned: hypophora as a named rhetorical figure of language, consistent with the sense used for accepted edges zeugma→figure-of-speech and hendiadys→figure-of-speech.

Antithesis (juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced parallel structure) IS a specific kind of figure-of-speech. A competent speaker would call antithesis 'a figure of speech.' Nearest kind: figure-of-speech. Sense pinned: antithesis as a named rhetorical figure of language, consistent with accepted edges zeugma→figure-of-speech, hendiadys→figure-of-speech, and hypophora→figure-of-speech filed this shift.

Apophasis (mentioning something by denying you will mention it) IS a specific kind of figure-of-speech. A competent speaker would call apophasis 'a figure of speech.' Nearest kind: figure-of-speech. Sense pinned: apophasis as a named rhetorical figure of language, consistent with accepted edges zeugma→figure-of-speech, hendiadys→figure-of-speech, hypophora→figure-of-speech, and antithesis→figure-of-speech filed this shift.

Chiasmus IS a specific kind of figure of speech — a rhetorical structure where elements are repeated in reverse order (ABBA pattern). A competent speaker would call chiasmus a figure of speech. Nearest kind: figure-of-speech.

Asyndeton IS a specific kind of figure of speech — deliberate omission of conjunctions between coordinate clauses for rhetorical effect. A competent speaker would call asyndeton a figure of speech. Nearest kind: figure-of-speech.

Polysyndeton IS a specific kind of figure of speech — deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate clauses for rhetorical effect. A competent speaker would call polysyndeton a figure of speech. Nearest kind: figure-of-speech.

hypallage IS a specific kind of figure-of-speech — a transferred epithet where an adjective grammatically modifies a noun it does not logically describe (e.g. 'the frightened army fled' where the soldiers, not the army, are frightened). A competent speaker calls hypallage a figure of speech.

Cataphora IS a specific kind of figure-of-speech: a rhetorical device where a word (typically a pronoun) appears before its antecedent, creating forward reference. Files against nearest kind 'figure-of-speech' which already exists. Competent speakers describe cataphora as 'a kind of figure of speech.' Law 9: specific→general.

Paralipsis IS a specific kind of figure of speech — it emphasizes something by pretending to omit it (e.g., 'I won't mention his corruption'). A competent speaker accepts 'paralipsis is a kind of figure of speech.' Pinned sense: paralipsis as the rhetorical figure, not the act of omission itself.

An ellipsis is a specific kind of figure of speech where words are deliberately omitted. The competent-speaker test passes: 'ellipsis is a kind of figure of speech.' Per Law 9, specific→general.

Pleonasm is a specific kind of figure of speech — the use of more words than necessary to convey meaning (e.g. 'free gift', 'past history'). The competent-speaker test passes: 'pleonasm is a kind of figure of speech.' Per Law 9, specific→general.

Circumlocution is a specific kind of figure-of-speech — speaking indirectly through roundabout phrasing. Law 9: specific→general. A competent speaker would call circumlocution 'a figure of speech'. Epoch test: circumlocution (0.01) newer than figure-of-speech (0), consistent with INSTANCE_OF direction.

Periphrasis is a specific kind of figure-of-speech — using more words than needed to express something. Law 9: specific→general. A competent speaker would identify periphrasis as 'a figure of speech'. Epoch test: periphrasis (0.04) newer than figure-of-speech (0), direction correct.

Diacope is a specific kind of figure-of-speech — repetition of a word or phrase with one or more intervening words (e.g. 'O the brave new world!'). A competent speaker would call diacope 'a figure of speech.' Law 9: specific→general.

Antimetabole is a specific kind of figure-of-speech — it repeats words/phrases in reverse order (e.g. 'Ask not what your country can do for you; ask not what you can do for your country'). A competent speaker would call it 'a figure of speech.' Law 9: specific→general.

Tautology (redundant restatement of the same idea in different words) IS a specific kind of figure-of-speech. A competent speaker would accept 'a tautology is a figure of speech.' Pinned sense: tautology as a rhetorical device/figure, not the logical concept.

Syllepsis (using a word in two different senses in the same sentence) IS a specific kind of figure-of-speech. A competent speaker would call it 'a figure of speech.' Pinned sense: syllepsis as a rhetorical/literary device.

Vituperation (bitter, abusive language for rhetorical attack) is a specific kind of figure-of-speech — a rhetorical device employing insulting or condemnatory language for effect. A competent speaker would accept 'vituperation is a figure of speech.' Pinned sense: vituperation as a rhetorical figure, not the natural emotion of anger.

Antonomasia (substituting a proper noun for a common noun or vice versa, e.g. 'a Second Achilles') is a specific kind of figure-of-speech. A competent speaker would accept 'antonomasia is a figure of speech.' Pinned sense: the rhetorical device, not the semantic relation itself.

Anadiplosis (repeating the last word of one clause at the start of the next) is a specific kind of figure of speech. A competent speaker accepts anadiplosis as a figure of speech. Nearest kind.

A paraprosdokian is a specific kind of figure of speech — one that subverts expectations by placing an unexpected twist at the end, forcing re-interpretation. The competent-speaker test passes: 'a paraprosdokian is a figure of speech.' Files against the nearest kind per Law 9.

Antiphrasis IS a specific kind of figure of speech — it uses a word in a sense opposite to its proper meaning, typically for ironic effect (e.g. 'what a fine friend' when someone betrays you). Competent-speaker test passes: 'antiphrasis is a figure of speech.' Nearest kind is figure-of-speech, confirmed by the parallel acceptance of paraprosdokian INSTANCE_OF figure-of-speech.

Epizeuxis is immediate repetition for emphasis — a specific kind of figure of speech. Competent-speaker test passes: 'epizeuxis is a kind of figure of speech.' Per Law 9.

Palilogy is excessive repetition for emphasis — a specific kind of figure of speech. 'Palilogy is a kind of figure of speech.' Nearest kind per Law 9 and 11e.

Hyperbaton (deliberate disruption of word order for emphasis) is a specific kind of figure of speech. 'Hyperbaton is a kind of figure of speech' passes the competent-speaker test. Specific→general per Law 9, nearest kind per Law 11e.

Epanalepsis (repetition of the last word of a clause at the beginning) is a specific kind of figure of speech. 'Epanalepsis is a kind of figure of speech' passes the competent-speaker test. Specific→general per Law 9.

Anaphora is a specific kind of figure of speech — repetition of a word/phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. Competent-speaker test passes: anaphora is 'a figure of speech.' Nearest kind: no intermediate category exists.

Prosopopoeia is a specific kind of figure of speech — the invention of a voice for absent, abstract, or dead entities, giving them personified speech. Competent-speaker test: 'prosopopoeia is a figure of speech.' Direction: specific→general. Nearest kind: figure-of-speech with no intermediate category.

Ekphrasis is a specific kind of figure-of-speech: it uses vivid verbal description to make visual art seem present. Competent speaker test: 'ekphrasis is a figure of speech' is true. Nearest kind is figure-of-speech (which is ACCEPTED).

Pinned sense: onomatopoeia as the iconic lexical device — a word whose phonetic form is motivated by the sound it denotes. The accepted entry scope itself calls it a figure of speech. The figure-of-speech definition carves: a linguistic device deploying words in non-literal OR specially structured ways, where the deviation (1) is systematic from standard usage and (2) follows a recognizable pattern shared across speakers. Onomatopoeia departs from the standard arbitrary form-meaning mapping via a systematic, speaker-shared pattern — the iconic sound-to-form correspondence (buzz, hiss, clang) that the accepted onomatopoeia definition lists as its first parameter. Nearest kind: its other accepted instance edge, symbol, is the broader kind; figure-of-speech is the nearer linguistic kind, with no accepted intermediate rung between iconic vocabulary and figure-of-speech. Law 9: a specific kind of figure of speech.