Skip to main content

metaphoricalcontaining or using metaphors; figurative rather than literal

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: containing or using metaphors; figurative rather than literal

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌmetəˈfɔːrɪkəl/

Example Sentences

  • When my mom said 'Your room is a tornado,' she was being metaphorical - thankfully, no actual tornado hit my bedroom.
  • The teacher's metaphorical description of the atom as a miniature solar system helped students understand the concept.
  • His metaphorical 'bridge-building' between the two departments actually involved zero construction work.

metaphorical

ADJECTIVE

[/ˌmetəˈfɔːrɪkəl/]

containing or using metaphors; figurative rather than literal

containing or using metaphors; figurative rather than literal
💡 Concept

containing or using metaphors; figurative rather than literal

Historical truths through metaphorical lens make rhetorical magic!
🎵 Rhyme

Historical truths through metaphorical lens make rhetorical magic!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˌmetəˈfɔːrɪkəl/
🇬🇧 UK/ˌmetəˈfɒrɪkəl/

🌳Etymology

Prefixmeta--
Rootphor
Suffix--ical

🎵Rhyme

historicalrhetoricalcategorical
historical
rhetorical
categorical

🔗Collocations

metaphorical language
metaphorical meaning
metaphorical expression
purely metaphorical
metaphorical sense
metaphorical use

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

When my mom said 'Your room is a tornado,' she was being metaphorical - thankfully, no actual tornado hit my bedroom.

The teacher's metaphorical description of the atom as a miniature solar system helped students understand the concept.

😄 Fun example

His metaphorical 'bridge-building' between the two departments actually involved zero construction work.

The poem's metaphorical imagery transforms ordinary objects into symbols of hope.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

figurativesymbolicallegoricalanalogical

Antonyms

literaldirectexplicit

Related

metaphorsimileanalogysymbolismimagery

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.