metaphor

[ met-uh-fawr, -fer ]

noun

1. a figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance, as in “A mighty fortress is our God.” Compare mixed metaphor, simile ( def 1 ).
2. something used, or regarded as being used, to represent something else; emblem; symbol.

metaphor

/ -ˌfɔː; ˌmɛtəˈfɒrɪk; ˈmɛtəfə /

noun

1. a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action that it does not literally denote in order to imply a resemblance, for example he is a lion in battle Compare simile

metaphor

1. The comparison of one thing to another without the use of like or as : “A man is but a weak reed”; “The road was a ribbon of moonlight.” Metaphors are common in literature and expansive speech. ( Compare simile .)

Derived Forms

• metaphoric, adjective
• ˌmetaˈphorically, adverb
• ˌmetaˈphoricalness, noun

Other Words From

• met·a·phor·i·cal [met-, uh, -, fawr, -i-k, uh, l, -, for, -], met·a·phor·ic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of metaphor¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin metaphora, from Greek metaphorá “a transfer,” akin to metaphérein “to transfer”; meta-, -phore

Word History and Origins

Origin of metaphor¹

C16: from Latin, from Greek metaphora, from metapherein to transfer, from meta- + pherein to bear

Example Sentences

That is to say: you can explain in incredible detail what it’s like for you, you can use metaphors to help me imagine my way into your experience, but the experience itself remains ultimately subjective.

From Salon

Slapstick, for Beckett, who greatly admired Buster Keaton, wasn’t just good fun but a metaphor for our stumbling lives.

From Los Angeles Times

“The simile with the DNA is more a metaphor but in some way, there exists the connection as mentioned for solving paths.”

From Salon

In the song “A Bowler Hat,” Sondheim’s genius is unmistakable in the way he finds the truth of what’s been culturally lost and gained in a simple clothing metaphor.

From Los Angeles Times

It turns out both dads are going through some stuff and are willing to talk about it through metaphors about their sports team or cars.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• analogy
• image
• symbol