The expression million voices is used as _________

Analyze the question: "Million voices" is a figure of speech. We need to identify which one it is.

Explain the concepts:

• Conceit: an elaborate, extended comparison between two very unlike things (common in metaphysical poetry).
• Euphemism: a mild or polite word used in place of a harsh or unpleasant one (e.g. "passed away" for "died").
• Hyperbole: deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or effect, not meant to be taken literally.
• Metonymy: replacing a thing's name with something closely associated with it (e.g. "the crown" for the monarchy).

Solution:

1. "Million voices" is not an extended comparison, so it is not a conceit.
2. It does not soften anything unpleasant, so it is not a euphemism.
3. It does not substitute a related name for another, so it is not metonymy.
4. A literal "million voices" is an enormous, exaggerated number, used to stress that a great many people are speaking, crying out, or calling. This is deliberate exaggeration, which is hyperbole.

Answer: C. hyperbole

Tip: When you see exact large numbers like "a million," "a thousand," or "countless" used loosely in poetry or prose, think hyperbole. Remember it as "hyper = over", meaning over-stated for effect.