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metaphora 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.
💡 Concept

The teacher explains that 'time is a thief' is a metaphor stealing your youth.

Like semaphore and carnivore, metaphor shows communication's power!
🎵 Rhyme

Like semaphore and carnivore, metaphor shows communication's power!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈmetəfɔːr/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈmetəfə(r)/

🌳Etymology

Prefixmeta--
Root-phor-

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

semaphorecarnivoresophomore
semaphore
carnivore
sophomore

🔗Collocations

extended metaphor
mixed metaphor
use a metaphor
powerful metaphor
metaphor for life
dead metaphor

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My boss is a real dragon when she's angry.

😄 Fun example

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

Synonyms

analogycomparisonfigure of speechallegorysimile

Antonyms

literal expressiondirect statement

Related

symbolismimagerypersonificationrhetoric

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