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metaphor

/ˈmɛtəfɔːr/
noun★Intermediate
literary

A figure of speech that describes an object or action by saying it is something else to help explain an idea or make a comparison.

Time is a thief.

This metaphor suggests that time steals moments or opportunities from us.

Her voice was music to his ears.

This metaphor implies that her voice was pleasant and soothing.

💡

Metaphors are often used in literature, poetry, and everyday language to create vivid imagery and convey complex ideas in a relatable way.

Collocations

extended metaphora metaphor that is developed throughout a piece of writing or speechmixed metaphora metaphor that combines two or more inconsistent or contradictory comparisons

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

metaphorically speakingphrase
in a figurative sense
metaphoricallyadverb
in a way that uses metaphor

💡Pro Tip

Recognizing Metaphors

Metaphors often use the word 'is' or 'was' to make a comparison, but unlike similes, they do not use 'like' or 'as'.

⚡Gold Rule

Effective Metaphors

A good metaphor should be clear, relevant, and memorable. It should help the reader or listener understand the idea better.

📖Word Origin

From Middle French 'métaphore', from Latin 'metaphora', from Greek 'metaphorá' meaning 'a carrying over', from 'metaphérein' meaning 'to transfer'.

📝Usage Notes

Metaphors are commonly used in literature, advertising, and everyday conversation to make abstract concepts more concrete and engaging.

Word Breakdown

meta-
beyond, after
prefix
+
-phor
to carry, to transfer
root
English Dictionary

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