Sibilance | Definition, Meaning & Examples

Sibilance is a literary device where strongly emphasized hissing or hushing sounds are repeated throughout a sentence. These sounds are most commonly created through the use of consonants like “s,” “sh,” and “z.”

Sibilance sentence examples
Sam slowly sipped his sweet tea by the shore.

She savored the silence while shaking the snow from her scarf.

The snake snuck through the sand while slithering slowly.

Continue reading: Sibilance | Definition, Meaning & Examples

What Is Symbolism? | Definition & Examples

Symbolism is a literary device where characters, objects, actions, or ideas are ingrained or associated with a deeper meaning beyond the literal sense. Simply put, symbolism is the idea that things can represent other things.

Symbolism can convey abstract ideas, themes, or emotions. It allows writers to indirectly communicate complex concepts, create layers of meaning, and encourage readers to think more deeply about underlying messages within a story.

Symbolism example
There are many symbols that tend to be commonly understood. For example, a dove is literally a bird but often symbolizes peace, hope, or purity. A snake is literally an animal, but it symbolizes temptation and evil.

Other examples, however, are very specific and can only be understood in a specific context. For example, in the movie Citizen Kane, the word “Rosebud” refers to the protagonist’s literal snow sled he owned as a child, but it symbolizes his lost childhood and an unattainable past.

Continue reading: What Is Symbolism? | Definition & Examples

What Is an Oxymoron? | Definition & Examples

An oxymoron is a literary device that combines two seemingly contradictory words to form an often thought-provoking concept or idea (e.g., controlled chaos and silent scream).

The two words—which tend to be next to each other in the sentence—clash in a way that forces the reader to pause and reconsider the meaning, often discovering a nuanced and deeper meaning.

Oxymoron examples
The deafening silence was unbearable.

The plane made a crash landing after the pilot lost control.

Continue reading: What Is an Oxymoron? | Definition & Examples

What Is Dramatic Irony? | Examples & Meaning

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows information that the characters do not, creating tension or humor. This literary device enhances the audience’s engagement, as they anticipate the characters’ reactions upon discovering the truth.

Dramatic irony example
In the TV show The Office, viewers often know more about the characters’ private thoughts and feelings through mockumentary-style interviews than their colleagues do, creating comedic situations based on misunderstandings.

Dramatic irony is commonly used in plays, movies, and literature to build suspense and deepen emotional impact.

Continue reading: What Is Dramatic Irony? | Examples & Meaning

What Is Irony? | Examples, Types & Definition

Irony occurs when events or words are the opposite of what is expected, creating a sense of surprise, humor, or deeper meaning in literature, rhetoric, and everyday situations.

Irony example
The Titanic was touted as an “unsinkable” ship, yet it sank on its first voyage.

Irony can foster critical thinking, enrich storytelling, and convey multiple layers of meaning.

Continue reading: What Is Irony? | Examples, Types & Definition

What Is Situational Irony? | Examples, Meaning & Types

Situational irony occurs when the actual outcome of a situation is starkly different from what was expected, creating a surprising twist.

Situational irony example
In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy and her friends seek the Wizard to grant their wishes, believing he can magically give a brain to the Scarecrow, a heart to the Tin Man, courage to the Cowardly Lion, and a way home to Dorothy.

Ironically, Dorothy and her friends discover that the Wizard is an ordinary man, and they have always possessed the traits and abilities they were seeking.

Situational irony can amplify effects such as humor, tragedy, and satire. It’s an important plot device in many genres of literature, film, and TV.

Continue reading: What Is Situational Irony? | Examples, Meaning & Types

Paraprosdokian | Examples & Definition

A paraprosdokian is a humorous figure of speech in which the latter part of an expression takes a surprising turn, requiring the audience to reframe the first part.

Paraprosdokian example
“Where there’s a will, I want to be in it.”

Examples of paraprosdokians are typically found in everyday jokes, literature, or performance art (e.g., stand-up comedy, TV, or film).

Continue reading: Paraprosdokian | Examples & Definition

What Is a Cliché? | Definition, Meaning & Examples

A cliché is an expression or trope that has lost its impact due to excessive use in a given cultural context. “Time heals all wounds” is an example of a cliché.

Clichés are often perceived as a sign of a lack of effort, imagination, or sincerity in writing, speech, and creative works.

Examples of clichés
Actions speak louder than words.

You can’t judge a book by its cover.

What goes around comes around.

Scribbr’s Paraphrasing Tool can help you find alternatives to clichés and find your unique voice.

Continue reading: What Is a Cliché? | Definition, Meaning & Examples

What Is a Paradox? | Definition & Examples

Paradoxes are thought-provoking statements or situations that seem self-contradictory or ironic. Some paradoxes reveal truths through seemingly irrational statements, while others expose flaws in conventional reasoning.

Paradox example
“Less is more” is an everyday example of a paradox. This saying is typically used to highlight the impact and appeal of a simple, minimalist aesthetic.

Examples of paradoxes can be found in everyday expressions, literature, and academic domains such as logic and philosophy.

Continue reading: What Is a Paradox? | Definition & Examples

Play on Words | Examples & Meaning

A play on words, often referred to as wordplay, is an expression that manipulates the meanings, sounds, spellings, or arrangement of words to achieve humor, irony, or layers of meaning. The term is sometimes used as a synonym for “pun,” but it can encompass various other devices that use language in clever, innovative ways.

Play on words example
Marriage is a fine institution, but I’m not ready for an institution.

Examples of plays on words can be found in media, literature, marketing, and everyday conversations. These wordplay examples include puns, double entendres, portmanteaus, palindromes, malapropisms, oxymorons, and paraprosdokians.

Continue reading: Play on Words | Examples & Meaning