Metaphorical: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：representing symbolically (metaphorical)

metaphorical 🔊

/ˌmetəˈfɒrɪkl/

adj.

Not literally true; describing one thing as if it were another to make an idea clearer or more vivid.

Metaphorical concept illustrated by a cat morphing into a lion, showing symbolic representation.

representing symbolically 🔊

➕

/ˌrep.rɪˈzen.tɪŋ sɪmˈbɒl.ɪ.kəl.i/

adj.

Refers to the use of language where a word or phrase is applied to an object or action it does not literally denote, in order to suggest a similarity or illustrate an idea more vividly.

📁 Category：Language Evolution 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Greek 'meta' (beyond, across) + 'pherein' (to carry, to bear). Literally 'to carry across' meaning.

💡 Mnemonic

Meta (beyond) + phor (carry). Carrying meaning beyond the literal.

📖 Example

When the teacher said time was metaphorical sand slipping through our fingers, we all started to think about managing our schedules better. 🔊 When the teacher described time as symbolic sand slipping through our fingers, we all began to consider managing our schedules more effectively.

🔗 Collocations

metaphorical language – Language that uses metaphors to express ideas.

metaphorical expression – A phrase or statement that conveys meaning through a metaphor.

metaphorical sense – The non-literal, symbolic meaning of a word or phrase.

🔄 Synonyms

figurative (adj.) – Describing words that are used with a meaning that is different from their basic one, to create a particular mental picture.

symbolic (adj.) – Serving as a symbol of something; representing an idea or quality.

allegorical (adj.) – Constituting or containing a moral or political allegory.

🚫 Antonyms

literal (adj.) – Taking words in their usual or most basic sense without metaphor or allegory.

🌱 Derivatives

metaphor (n.) – A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.

metaphorically (adv.) – In a metaphorical manner; not literally.

📖 Cultural Story

The concept originates from Aristotle's 'Poetics,' where 'metaphora' described transferring a name to something it does not literally denote, forming the core of poetic language. This classical rhetorical device entered English via Latin.