Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
antonomasia
Noun
/ˌæntəˈnoʊməziə/
Definition
The use of a proper name to express a general idea or concept.
Examples
- The phrase ‘the Bard’ is an example of antonomasia, referring to Shakespeare.
- Calling someone a ‘Scrooge’ implies they are miserly, illustrating antonomasia.
- In literature, referring to a character as ‘the King of the Jungle’ denotes a lion.
Meaning
Antonomasia refers to the practice of substituting a descriptive phrase or a proper name for a common noun or a characteristic of someone. It is often used for rhetorical effect or to highlight a theme.
Synonyms
- Nickname
- Appellation
- Metonymy
