metaphor

noun
UK: /ˈmet.ə.fɔː/
US: /ˈmet.ə.fɔːr/

  1. A way of describing something by comparing it to something else with similar qualities.

    1. Love is a rose is a metaphor. [ ] [ ]
    2. The poet used the metaphor of a journey to describe life's challenges. [ ] [ ]

  2. An instance of figurative language where a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.

    1. He is a lion is a metaphor. [ ] [ ]
    2. Her eyes were shining stars is a beautiful metaphor that emphasizes their brightness. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

figure of speech symbol analogy allegory image
metaphor verb

  1. To use something as a metaphor for something else.

    1. The film metaphorizes life. [ ] [ ]
    2. The author metaphorized the river as a symbol of the passage of time in the novel. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "metaphor" in English means: A way of describing something by comparing it to something else with similar qualities., An instance of figurative language where a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable..

The phonetic transcription of "metaphor" is /ˈmet.ə.fɔː/ in British English and /ˈmet.ə.fɔːr/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "metaphor": figure of speech, symbol, analogy, allegory, image.

Example usage of "metaphor": "Love is a rose is a metaphor.". More examples on the page.