Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumFigurative Language and Figures of Speech in Context

Read the passage excerpt below and complete the statement by filling in the blanks with the correct figure of speech and its contextual purpose.

Answer:During an address to shareholders following a disastrous financial quarter, the Chief Executive Officer announced that the firm intended to 'streamline human resources' before the end of the fiscal year. In this context, the phrase 'streamline human resources' is an example of 【euphemism】, which serves to 【soften】 the harsh reality of mass employee dismissals.

Answer

The expression 'streamline human resources' is an example of a euphemism, which functions contextually to soften (or mask) the harsh reality of mass employee dismissals.
The phrase 'streamline human resources' replaces a harsh reality (mass firing of workers) with a mild, bureaucratic phrase, making it a euphemism. Contextually, the speaker uses it to soften or mask the severity of the announcement to shareholders.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine the underlined phrase 'streamline human resources' in relation to its true meaning (mass job cuts/layoffs).
Identify that a polite, neutral, and indirect phrase is substituted for an unpleasant and blunt term.
Substituting an agreeable or mild expression for one that may offend or cause distress is the defining feature of a euphemism.
2
Determine the contextual purpose of using this figure of speech in a corporate address.
The executive aims to minimize panic, maintain shareholder confidence, and lessen the negative emotional reaction associated with worker terminations.
Euphemisms in corporate contexts are strategically deployed to soften bad news or disguise harsh corporate actions.

Key Concept

Identifying euphemism and analyzing its contextual function in written discourse
Rate this question

Topics

Figurative Language and Figures of Speech in Context

More questions from this topic