Metaphor: meaning, definitions and examples

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metaphor

[ˈmetəfə ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in literature

A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. Metaphors are used to make a comparison between two things that aren't alike but do have something in common.

Synonyms

analogy, comparison, symbolism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
metaphor	Used when describing an object or action that is symbolic of something else, often to make a description more vivid or to convey a deeper meaning. Metaphors don't use 'like' or 'as' for comparison. Time is a thief. Her eyes were diamonds.
analogy	Useful in explaining a complex idea in simpler terms by comparing it to something familiar. Analogies often make concepts more understandable by highlighting the similarities between two different things. Life is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you're gonna get. Explaining a joke is like dissecting a frog. You understand it better, but the frog dies in the process.
comparison	This is a general term for stating similarities (and sometimes differences) between two or more items, often using 'like' or 'as'. It’s useful for descriptive purposes to make something clearer or more vivid. She is as busy as a bee. The cloud was as fluffy as cotton candy.
symbolism	Used to represent ideas or qualities beyond the literal sense. Symbolism often imbues an object, character, or event with meaning that suggests more than its literal meaning. It's commonly used in literature and art. The dove is a symbol of peace. In the novel, the green light is a symbol of desire and the unattainable.

Examples of usage

He drowned in a sea of grief.
The world is a stage.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in everyday language

A metaphor is a way of describing something by equating it with something else. It is a way of using a word or phrase to refer to something that it isn't, calling a thing something that it's not.

Synonyms

figure of speech, image, trope.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
metaphor	Used in literature and everyday language to make a direct comparison between two unrelated things, highlighting a common characteristic. Metaphors add depth and creativity to writing or speech. Time is a thief.
figure of speech	Refers to various stylistic devices used in literature and rhetoric to produce a particular effect. This includes metaphors, similes, personification, and more. Used broadly to enrich language. It's raining cats and dogs.
trope	Often used in literature, film, or media to refer to common themes, motifs, or clichés. While it can be neutral, it sometimes carries a negative connotation when overused or unoriginal. The 'reluctant hero' is a common trope in adventure stories.
image	Primarily used in visual or descriptive contexts to paint a mental picture for the audience. Common in poetry and descriptive writing to evoke sensory experiences. The golden sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with shades of pink and orange.

Examples of usage

My brother was boiling mad.
She is the apple of my eye.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek 'metaphora', meaning 'transfer', indicating how one idea is transferred to another.
It entered the English language in the late 14th century, initially used in poetic and rhetorical contexts.
The use of metaphor can be traced back to ancient texts, including works by Homer and Plato.

Literature

It's a fundamental device in poetry and prose; famous metaphors appear in works by writers such as Shakespeare and Emily Dickinson.
In literature, metaphors can evoke emotions and create vivid imagery, making stories memorable.
Metaphors are often used to convey complex ideas in a more relatable way, enhancing readers' understanding.

Psychology

Research shows that using metaphors can help people understand and retain abstract concepts by linking them to familiar ideas.
Metaphors can influence how people perceive situations, shaping their thoughts and behaviors in significant ways.
In therapy, metaphors are utilized to help clients articulate feelings and experiences that may be difficult to express directly.

Cultural Significance

Different cultures have unique metaphors that reflect their values and worldview – for instance, Western cultures often use metaphors related to journeys.
Metaphors can reveal cultural attitudes; for example, wars are commonly described as sports competitions in many societies.
In everyday language, metaphors enrich communication, often appearing in idioms that convey social norms and shared experiences.

Pop Culture

Many song lyrics and movie dialogues incorporate metaphors to engage the audience and add depth to their messages.
Metaphors have been used in advertising to create powerful brand identities, such as comparing a car to a 'beast' for toughness.
Popular novels often rely on metaphors to build characters and settings, enabling readers to immerse themselves in the narrative.

Translations

Translations of the word "metaphor" in other languages:

🇵🇹 metáfora

🇮🇳 रूपक

🇩🇪 Metapher

🇮🇩 metafora

🇺🇦 метафора

🇵🇱 metafora

🇯🇵 隠喩 (いんゆ)

🇫🇷 métaphore

🇪🇸 metáfora

🇹🇷 mecaz

🇰🇷 은유 (eunyu)

🇸🇦 استعارة

🇨🇿 metafora

🇸🇰 metafora

🇨🇳 隐喻 (yǐnyù)

🇸🇮 metafora

🇮🇸 myndlíking

🇰🇿 метафора

🇬🇪 მეტაფორა (metapora)

🇦🇿 metafora

🇲🇽 metáfora

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,968 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6965 discontinued
6966 poisoning
6967 float
6968 metaphor
6969 communist
6970 corridor
6971 fastened
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