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metaphors

met·a·phor
M m

Transcription

    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • UK Pronunciation
    • UK IPA
    • [met-uh-fawr, -fer]
    • /ˈmɛt əˌfɔr, -fər/
    • /ˈmet.ə.fɔːr/
    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [met-uh-fawr, -fer]
    • /ˈmɛt əˌfɔr, -fər/

Definitions of metaphors word

  • noun metaphors 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). 1
  • noun metaphors something used, or regarded as being used, to represent something else; emblem; symbol. 1
  • noun metaphors A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. 1
See all 3 definitions of metaphors

Information block about the term

Origin of metaphors

First appearance:

before 1525
One of the 28% oldest English words
1525-35; < Latin metaphora < Greek metaphorá a transfer, akin to metaphérein to transfer. See meta-, -phore

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Metaphors

noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
Full grammatical hierarchy of Metaphors

metaphors popularity

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 86% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".

metaphors usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for metaphors

noun metaphors

  • imagery — the formation of mental images, figures, or likenesses of things, or of such images collectively: the dim imagery of a dream.
  • images — a physical likeness or representation of a person, animal, or thing, photographed, painted, sculptured, or otherwise made visible.
  • mental image — sth imagined
All 3 Synonyms of metaphors

Top questions with metaphors

  • what are metaphors?
  • how to write metaphors?
  • what are similes and metaphors?
  • what are some metaphors?
  • people who talk in metaphors?
  • what are metaphors and similes?
  • what is metaphors?
  • how to rap with metaphors?
  • how to make metaphors?
  • metaphors and what they mean?
  • what is a metaphors?
  • why use metaphors?

Related words

  • artful

    If you describe someone as artful, you mean that they are clever and skilful at achieving what they want, especially by deceiving people.

  • characterize

    If something is characterized by a particular feature or quality, that feature or quality is an obvious part of it.

  • conceit

    Conceit is very great pride in your abilities or achievements that other people feel is too great.

  • figurative language

    language that contains or uses figures of speech, especially metaphors.

  • materialize

    to come into perceptible existence; appear; become actual or real; be realized or carried out: Our plans never materialized.

  • mixed metaphor

    the use in the same expression of two or more metaphors that are incongruous or illogical when combined, as in “The president will put the ship of state on its feet.”.
All related words to metaphors

See also

Matching words

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