Final answer:
The literary terms in question are matched with their definitions: Overstatement is hyperbole, an exaggeration for effect; Pleasant-sounding is related to euphony, agreeable language; Understatement connects to litotes, which uses the negation of the opposite; Simile is a comparison using 'like' or 'as'; Cacophony refers to harsh, discordant sounds, and is the opposite of euphony.
Step-by-step explanation:
Literary Devices and Figures of Speech
Understanding different literary devices helps us grasp the depth of language in literature. Let's match the terms to their definitions:
Overstatement - This is synonymous with hyperbole, which is an exaggeration for rhetorical effect. For example, the phrase "ten thousand saw I at a glance" from Wordsworth's poem exaggerates the number of daffodils to emphasize their vastness.
Pleasant-sounding - This refers to euphony, where language flows in a harmonious and agreeable manner.
Understatement - The literary term for this is litotes, which intensifies an expression by negating its opposite, often to convey modesty or irony.
Simile - This is a comparison of two unlike things using 'like' or 'as', such as 'cool as a cucumber' to describe someone who is very calm under pressure.
Cacophony - This is the opposite of euphony (D); it describes harsh and discordant sounds in a line or passage of literary work.
Each of these elements plays a important role in shaping the tone, rhythm, and overall impact of a piece of writing.