Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
metonymy
Noun
məˈtɪnəmi
Definition
A figure of speech in which one word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely associated.
Examples
- “The pen is mightier than the sword.” (Here, ‘pen’ refers to writing and intellect, while ‘sword’ refers to military force.)
- “Hollywood is known for its glamour and movie-making.” (In this case, ‘Hollywood’ represents the film industry.)
- “Let me give you a hand with that.” (Where ‘hand’ means help or assistance.)
Meaning
Metonymy is often used to create vivid imagery or add a layer of meaning to language. It relies on the relationship between concepts, such as using ‘the White House’ to refer to the U.S. President or their administration.
Synonyms
- Symbol
- Allegory
- Metaphor
