Have you ever heard the phrase, "Dogs are man's best friend"? Did you take it to mean that men prefer the company of dogs over human companions? If you did, you've misunderstood the phrase. It's actually a metaphor, a figure of speech that adds color and depth to our language. If you're unsure about what metaphors are or how to use them, you've come to the right place. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to understanding metaphors, including their definitions and meanings. We'll also provide examples to illustrate their use. In addition, you'll learn how metaphors differ from similes.
Understanding Metaphors - Definition, Meaning, Examples & Usage
Last Updated on Jul 31, 2023
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What Is a Metaphor?
A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison in a unique way. Unlike a simile, a metaphor doesn't directly compare one thing to another using words like 'as' or 'like'. Instead, it makes an implied comparison, stating that one thing is another, to highlight a particular quality or aspect.
Let's take a look at how various dictionaries define a metaphor to gain a better understanding of this figure of speech.
Definition of a Metaphor
The Cambridge Dictionary defines a metaphor as “an expression, often found in literature, that describes a person or object by referring to something that is considered to have similar characteristics to that person or object.” The Oxford Learner’s Dictionary explains a metaphor as “a word or phrase used to describe somebody/something else, in a way that is different from its normal use, in order to show that the two things have the same qualities and to make the description more powerful.” The Collins Dictionary describes a metaphor as “an imaginative way of describing something by referring to something else which is the same in a particular way”. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary characterizes a metaphor as “a figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them.”
How to Use a Metaphor in a Sentence? – Points to Keep in Mind
Figures of speech, such as metaphors, can enhance your writing by adding depth and nuance. However, to achieve the desired effect, it's important to use them correctly. Here are some tips on how to effectively use metaphors in your sentences:
- Ensure that the metaphor accurately conveys the meaning you intend.
- Choose the appropriate figure of speech for the comparison you want to make. If a simile would be more effective, use it instead of a metaphor.
- Review your sentence multiple times to make sure that the metaphor is a good fit.
What Makes a Metaphor Different from a Simile?
While both metaphors and similes are used to make comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a metaphor?
A metaphor is a figure of speech that is used to make a comparison, but in a way different from a simile. Instead, it makes the description of an object look as if it was literally true. In other words, it can be said that a metaphor is an implied comparison. It makes a comparison between things or ideas that are generally unlike.
What is the definition of a metaphor?
A metaphor, according to the Cambridge Dictionary, is defined as an expression, often found in literature, that describes a person or object by referring to something that is considered to have similar characteristics to that person or object. According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, a metaphor is defined as a word or phrase used to describe somebody/something else, in a way that is different from its normal use, in order to show that the two things have the same qualities and to make the description more powerful.
What is the difference between a metaphor and a simile?
The major difference between a simile and a metaphor is that a simile uses words such as ‘like’ and ‘as’ to make a comparison whereas a metaphor does not. Another difference is that a metaphor is an implied comparison; on the other hand, a simile is a direct comparison.
Give some examples of metaphors.
He is a lion when he comes to the field. Phoebe is a nightingale. Everyone waited eagerly for her to come up on stage. My mom has a heart of gold. My friend’s sister, Sharon, is a night owl. My hands were icicles because of the cold weather.
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