metaphor

[ met-uh-fawr, -fer ]

/ ˈmɛt əˌfɔr, -fər /

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See synonyms for: metaphor / metaphors / metaphorical / metaphoric on Thesaurus.com

noun

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).

something used, or regarded as being used, to represent something else; emblem; symbol.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of metaphor

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin metaphora, from Greek metaphorá “a transfer,” akin to metaphérein “to transfer”; see meta-, -phore

OTHER WORDS FROM metaphor

met·a·phor·i·cal

[met-uh-fawr-i-kuhl, -for-], /ˌmɛt əˈfɔr ɪ kəl, -ˈfɒr-/, met·a·phor·ic, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH metaphor

metaphor , simile

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use metaphor in a sentence

“Metaphors have always been the best way of explaining things,” Senhor José says in All the Names.
The Lost Novel of Nobel-Winner José Saramago|Charles Shafaieh|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST
This descent and all of its trials serve as metaphors for the brutal task of breaking the chains of guilt, fear, and doubt.
The Walking Dead’s Luke Skywalker: Rick Grimes Is the Perfect Modern-Day Mythical Hero|Regina Lizik|October 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She is laconic, matter of fact, and frequently speaks in “life is a journey”-type metaphors and aphorisms—all part of her charm.
Diane von Furstenberg: How I Learned to Love My Wrap Dress|Lizzie Crocker|October 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The unsuspecting reader should prepare for bad jokes, weird metaphors, and bizarre contradictions.
It’s Not Just the Vaccines. Jenny McCarthy’s New Book Offers More ‘Lessons’|Tim Teeman|April 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST

The meaning of a “probability” estimate can be understood by resorting to the last refuge of political metaphors: sports.
You Don’t Need Nate Silver to ‘Predict’ a GOP Win This Fall|Jeff Greenfield|March 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Sensible people, who delight in exact imagery, of course, are led away by comparisons and metaphors.
The 'Characters' of Jean de La Bruyre|Jean de La Bruyre
The similes and metaphors, however bold and original, are always drawn from the life of the speakers.
Frdric Mistral|Charles Alfred Downer
Sassafras, youre feeding Tessie too much red meat, said Tootles, shifting his metaphors as Sam came to the rescue.
The Woman Gives|Owen Johnson
They must be kept hidden, veiled with mystery—if one wished to refer to them, he must employ metaphors and polite evasions.
Love's Pilgrimage|Upton Sinclair
We always find that those are the greatest slaves to metaphorical language, who have but one set of metaphors.
A System of Logic: Ratiocinative and Inductive|John Stuart Mill

British Dictionary definitions for metaphor

metaphor

/ (ˈmɛtəfə, -ˌfɔː) /

noun

a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action that it does not literally denote in order to imply a resemblance, for example he is a lion in battleCompare simile

Derived forms of metaphor

metaphoric (ˌmɛtəˈfɒrɪk) or metaphorical, adjectivemetaphorically, adverbmetaphoricalness, noun

Word Origin for metaphor

C16: from Latin, from Greek metaphora, from metapherein to transfer, from meta- + pherein to bear

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for metaphor

metaphor

The comparison of one thing to another without the use of like or as: “A man is but a weak reed”; “The road was a ribbon of moonlight.” Metaphors are common in literature and expansive speech. (Compare simile.)

metaphor

Origin of metaphor

OTHER WORDS FROM metaphor

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH metaphor

Words related to metaphor

How to use metaphor in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for metaphor

Derived forms of metaphor

Word Origin for metaphor

Cultural definitions for metaphor