metaphor — a figure of speech that describes something by saying it is something else, used to make a description more vivid
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a figure of speech that describes something by saying it is something else, used to make a description more vivid
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmetəfɔːr/
Example Sentences
- My boss is a real dragon when she's angry.
- The classroom was a zoo during the substitute teacher's lesson.
- Her voice is music to my ears.
metaphor
NOUN[/ˈmetəfɔːr/]
a figure of speech that describes something by saying it is something else, used to make a description more vivid
The teacher explains that 'time is a thief' is a metaphor stealing your youth.
The poet used the river as a metaphor for the endless flow of time. (METAPHOR = a comparison used to express an idea)
The novel uses a metaphor to explore philosophical questions and reveal the characters' psychological struggles.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Greek 'metaphora,' meaning 'transfer' or 'carrying over.' The word combines Greek 'meta-' (over, across) and 'pherein' (to carry), originally referring to the transference of meaning from one thing to another.
Breakdown
meta- (over, across) + -phor (carry, bear) + -a (noun ending) = metaphor
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My boss is a real dragon when she's angry.”
“The classroom was a zoo during the substitute teacher's lesson.”
“Her voice is music to my ears.”
“Shakespeare used the metaphor of the world as a stage.”
📚Related Words
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