Question:
Identify the figure of speech used in the following sentence.
"To err is human, to forgive divine."
Identify the figure of speech used in the following sentence.
"To err is human, to forgive divine."
"To err is human, to forgive divine."
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To identify "Antithesis," look for two key elements: parallel grammatical structure and opposite/contrasting words.
In this sentence, the structure "To [verb] is [adjective]" is repeated twice with contrasting pairs ("err" vs "forgive" and "human" vs "divine").
This symmetrical contrast is a hallmark of antithesis.
In this sentence, the structure "To [verb] is [adjective]" is repeated twice with contrasting pairs ("err" vs "forgive" and "human" vs "divine").
This symmetrical contrast is a hallmark of antithesis.
Updated On: Jun 8, 2026
- Alliteration
- Antithesis
- Hyperbole
- Personification
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Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The objective of this question is to identify the literary device or figure of speech used in the famous quote, "To err is human, to forgive divine."
We must analyze the structure and relationships of the words and ideas in the sentence.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Let us break down the structure of the given sentence: "To err is human, to forgive divine."
The sentence is divided into two parts that are grammatically parallel.
2. Let us look at the contrasting ideas in each part:
- "To err" (making a mistake/doing wrong) is placed in contrast with "to forgive" (showing mercy/clemency).
- "Human" (imperfect and mortal) is placed in contrast with "divine" (perfect and godlike).
3. Define "Antithesis": Antithesis is a figure of speech in which two contrasting or opposing ideas are placed side-by-side in a parallel grammatical structure.
This matches the structure of the quote, as it balances the human tendency to make mistakes against the godly act of forgiveness.
4. Let us evaluate Option (A) "Alliteration": Alliteration is the repetition of the same consonant sounds at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.
There is no notable repetition of consonant sounds here.
5. Let us evaluate Option (C) "Hyperbole": Hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration used to make a point or show emphasis.
This sentence expresses a philosophical truth rather than an exaggeration.
6. Let us evaluate Option (D) "Personification": Personification is attributing human characteristics to non-human things or abstract ideas.
There is no personification in this sentence.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The figure of speech used in the sentence is "Antithesis," which corresponds to Option (B).
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