What You Need to Know About Metaphor?

what is metaphor? example,types, Comparison, use.
Table of Contents

A metaphor is a rhetorical device that refers to one thing by mentioning another, highlighting hidden similarities. It creates an analogy, providing clarity.

For example: “time is a thief”

Synonymefigure of speechfigurative expressiontropeallegory
Antonymeplain speechLiteral languageDenotationObjectification

In Literature, the definition of metaphor is also the same. Metaphor is a literary device that has a lot of types. The most common 4 types are extended metaphor, dead metaphor, conceptual metaphor and implied metaphor. 

Metaphor and simile are both literary devices and both are related concepts. But both have differences. Metaphor is used to enhance figurative writing and make literary works more engaging.

What is a Metaphor?

A metaphor is a figure of speech that refers to one thing by mentioning another, creating a direct comparison.

According to multiple linguistic studies and the Oxford English Dictionary, a metaphor identifies hidden similarities between two different ideas, aiming to provide clarity and create an analogy.

According to Xia Guo-jun et al. “What is Metaphor? Journal of Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities (2005).” Research,

Metaphor is a rhetorical device that plays a significant role in language development and change, and is crucial to literary writing and human life.

Etymology: The word “metaphor” comes from the Greek “metaphora”, derived from meta meaning “over” and pherein, meaning “to carry.”

Example: “You Are a Piece of Cake”

The phrase “You are a piece of cake” implies that someone is easy to deal with or requires little effort, similar to the ease of eating a piece of cake. This metaphor simplifies understanding by relating a person’s nature to the simplicity of enjoying a dessert.

In simpler and shorter terms: A metaphor is a way of describing something by saying it’s something else..

metaphor definition

What Are The Examples Of Metaphor?

Metaphors create vivid comparisons, enhancing understanding by linking unrelated concepts. They simplify complex ideas and add depth to language. Here are 5 metaphor examples:

  • Time is a thief

This metaphor suggests that time steals moments from our lives, emphasizing the fleeting nature of time.

  • The world is a stage

Life is compared to a play, with people as actors playing different roles, highlighting the performative aspect of life.

  • Her voice is music to his ears

This metaphor indicates that her voice brings great pleasure, likening it to the joy of listening to beautiful music.

  • He has a heart of stone

Describes someone as being emotionally cold and unfeeling, similar to the unyielding nature of stone.

  • Books are windows to the world

Implies that books offer readers a view into different experiences, cultures, and knowledge, much like looking through a window to see the world outside.

5 metaphor example

Is a Metaphor Effective to Use?

Yes, metaphors are effective to use. They simplify complex ideas, enhance understanding, and create vivid imagery. Metaphors also help convey emotions and abstract concepts in relatable terms, making communication more engaging and impactful.

What are the Types of metaphor?

Types of metaphors that are most common are, extended, conceptual, dead and implied metaphor. According to “Zulfadhlina, T., Rangkuti, R., & Putri, D. (2022).” 

Structural, orientational, and ontological metaphors are commonly found in literary works, with ontological metaphors being the most prevalent (METAPHOR IN ATTICUS’ SELECTED POEMS. JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE).

Extended Metaphor:

An extended metaphor is the type metaphor that  involves comparing two unlike things throughout a series of sentences, paragraphs, or even an entire work. 

According to Ronderos, C., & Falkum, I. (2023), Extended metaphors may involve a different processing mode compared to single metaphors, with a greater prominence of literal meaning. (Suppression of literal meaning in single and extended metaphors. Frontiers in Psychology, 14.)

For example:

Normal MetaphorExtended Metaphor:
Time is moneyTime, like money, is valuable and finite, urging us to spend it wisely to achieve our goals and desires.
Heart of stoneA heart of stone signifies emotional coldness and insensitivity, portraying a person detached from feelings.

Conceptual Metaphor:

A conceptual metaphor helps us understand abstract ideas by relating them to concrete experiences.

I said above all metaphors compare two things but a conceptual metaphor provides a deeper understanding of a concept. Not all metaphors are conceptual, but those with profound meanings are.

Dead Metaphor:

A dead metaphor is a type of metaphor in which its original figurative meaning is lost, and it is now interpreted literally. 

For Example: 

Normal MetaphorDead Metaphor:
Heart of stoneHeartwarming
Light is a featherDark times

Implied Metaphor:

An implied metaphor compares two things without directly mentioning one of them. It often appears in everyday language and can add depth and nuance to communication.

Examples:

Normal MetaphorDead Metaphor:
Time is a thiefTime stole my day
He is a lionHe roared his victory

How Metaphor is different from simile?

A metaphor directly compares two things without using “like” or “as,” while a simile uses “like” or “as” for comparison.

AspectMetaphorSimile
StructureDirect comparisonUses “like” or “as”
ExampleTime is a thiefTime is like a thief
SubtletyOften more implicitMore explicit comparison
metaphor vs simile

Why does an author use metaphor?

Author uses metaphor to enhance their writing by creating vivid imagery and making abstract concepts more relatable. Metaphors can evoke emotions, clarify complex ideas, and add depth to the narrative. They help readers connect with the text on a personal level, making the content more engaging and memorable.

190 Literary devices

How is metaphor effective in literary works?

Metaphor enhances literary works by creating vivid imagery, evoking emotions, and simplifying complex ideas. They make writing more engaging and relatable, helping readers visualize scenes and connect with characters on a deeper level. Metaphors also enrich the text’s meaning, offering layers of interpretation.

Share the Post:

10 Comments

  1. Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice whilst you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a appropriate deal. I have been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided vivid transparent concept

  2. I have not checked in here for some time because I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I will add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

  3. An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!

  4. Basketball live stream today

    Wonderful work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the web. Shame on Google for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my web site . Thanks =)

  5. I have learn a few good stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much effort you set to create this sort of magnificent informative site.

  6. berita informasi online

    I’ve read a few just right stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how a lot attempt you set to create this kind of wonderful informative web site.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get 300+ Best English Phrases and Idioms E-book! 📘

Learn the phrases native English speakers use