If you read about writing for over five minutes, you’ll see two terms pop up again and again: rhetorical devices and figurative language

They sound similar, and sometimes they overlap, so it’s easy to mix them up. But they don’t do the same job.

In this post, we’ll look at: what rhetorical devices are, what figurative language is, how they’re different, where they overlap, and how you can use both in your writing.

What Are Rhetorical Devices?

Rhetorical devices are techniques that shape how language hits the reader or listener.

They aid in persuasion, emphasis, rhythm, and memorability of concepts.

We frequently us rhetorical devices in speeches, essays, opinion pieces, advertisements, narratives, and character monologues.

Think of them as tools that answer this question: How can I arrange these words so they have more impact?

Rhetorical devices include:
♥ Anaphora → Repeating words at the beginning of sentences or clauses.
♥ Epistrophe → Repeating words at the end of sentences or clauses.
♥ Symploce → Repeating words at the beginning and the end.
♥ Antithesis → Putting opposite ideas side by side in a balanced way.
♥ Asyndeton → Leaving out conjunctions (and, or, but) in a list or series.
♥ Colloquialism → Using everyday, informal language.

Related Reading: Using Rhetorical Devices

What are Rhetorical Questions?

A rhetorical question is a question asked for effect, not because you want an answer. Rhetorical questions encourage thought, guide the audience to a specific understanding, and subtly highlight an idea.

You’re not asking for information. You’re nudging the reader’s thoughts.

Example:
♦ Who wouldn’t want a second chance?
♦ Are we really okay with this?

What Is Figurative Language?

Figurative language uses words in a way that goes beyond their literal meaning. It’s meant to make pictures pop, add layers of meaning, and help you really see it.

It answers a different question: How can I say this in a more vivid, imaginative way?

Figure language includes
♥ Metaphor → compares two unlike things directly, without using “like” or “as.”
♥ Simile → compares two unlike things using “like” or “as.”
♥ Personification → gives human qualities to non-human things.
♥ Imagery → uses descriptive language that appeals to the senses:
♥ Symbolism → uses objects, colours, or actions to represent larger ideas.

Related Reading: Figurative Language Made Easy

So, What’s the Big Difference?

Time for the key point.

Rhetorical devices focus on impact and persuasion. Things like:
♥ How the words sound
♥ How they push, nudge, or move the reader
♥ How they shape rhythm, emphasis, and structure

Rhetorical devices = How you say it to influence.

Figurative language focuses on imagery and meaning. Things like:
♥ How the words create pictures
♥ How they add emotion and depth
♥ How they help readers understand ideas in a fresh way

Figurative language = How you say it to imagine.

Can Words Be Both?

Yes, absolutely. Some tools live in both worlds.

Metaphor

Metaphor is figurative language, because it compares two unlike things. But in a speech or persuasive essay, it can also work as a rhetorical device.

♦ Example: Our democracy is a fragile glass; every careless act cracks it.

Here, the metaphor:
♥ Creates a clear image (figurative language)
♥ Warns and persuades the audience (rhetorical effect)

Metaphor

Using Both

You don’t have to pick one or the other. The strongest writing often uses both:
♥ Rhetorical devices to shape the flow and impact
♥ Figurative language to colour the meaning and mood

Here are a few ways to combine them:

Use Anaphora + Imagery

♦ Example: I remember the smoke. I remember the sirens. I remember the taste of ash in the air.

Anaphora: I remember… (rhetorical device)
Imagery: taste of ash (figurative/sensory language)

Use Antithesis + Metaphor

♦ Example: He was a steady anchor; she was a sudden storm.

Antithesis: anchor vs. storm (rhetorical balance)
Metaphor: both anchor and storm are figurative

Use Colloquial Tone + Figurative Language

♦ Example: My brain isn’t just tired; it’s mush.

Colloquial: “it’s mush” (casual voice)
Figurative image: (brain as “mush”)

Quick Comparison Chart

Related Reading: Mastering the Colon

Key Takeaways

1. Rhetorical devices influence how language impacts the audience. Persuasion, emphasis, and impact are their focus.
2. Figurative language adds imagery, emotion, and depth.
3. Some tools (metaphor, hyperbole) can belong to both categories.
4. Combining both creates clear, memorable, vivid, and powerful writing.

Last Words on Rhetorical Devices

You don’t need to label every device as you write. Start by noticing them in what you read, then experiment with one or two in your own work.

Happy writing!

Linda

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