World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesMetaphorical
/ˌmɛt.əˈfɔːr.ɪ.kəl/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
Characteristic of or relating to a metaphor; containing or using figures of speech where a term is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable.
"Her description of the company's downfall was largely metaphorical, comparing the executives to captains abandoning a sinking ship." - 2
Not literal; figurative rather than exact or physical in meaning.
"He felt a metaphorical weight lifted from his shoulders once the difficult project was finally completed."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Late Latin 'metaphoricus', stemming from the Ancient Greek 'metaphorikos', meaning 'of or pertaining to a metaphor'. It traces back to 'metapherein', composed of 'meta-' (over, across) and 'pherein' (to bear, carry), reflecting the transference of meaning from one object or idea to another.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Metaphorical"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Metaphorical" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
métaphorique
Transliteration: me.ta.fɔ.ʁik
"Cette expression est purement métaphorique."
metaphorisch
Transliteration: me.taˈfoː.ʁɪʃ
"Das ist nur im metaphorischen Sinne gemeint."
metaforico
Transliteration: me.taˈfɔ.ri.ko
"Il suo discorso era pieno di significato metaforico."
metafórico
Transliteration: me.taˈfo.ɾi.ko
"El autor usó un lenguaje muy metafórico."
metafórico
Transliteration: me.taˈfɔ.ɾi.ku
"Ele fez uma referência metafórica ao evento."
रूपक
Transliteration: ruupak
"यह एक रूपक अभिव्यक्ति है।"
隐喻的
Transliteration: yǐn yù de
"这句话具有强烈的隐喻意味。"
은유적인
Transliteration: eun.yu.jeok.in
"그 시인은 은유적인 표현을 자주 사용한다."
隠喩的
Transliteration: in'yu teki
"それは比喩的および隠喩的な表現です。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsPlacing the customer's needs, experiences, and preferences at the center of a business's philosophy, operations, and decision-making.
The cold temperature or biting quality of the air characteristic of winter.
To walk with difficulty, typically because of physical injury or stiffness in the legs or feet.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Metaphorical"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.