metaphor - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
metaphor Word Meanings
- a figure of speech comparing two unlike things
- an implied analogy
- a way to understand one thing in terms of another
metaphor Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
metaphor Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈmɛtəfɔː/
US
/ˈmɛtəfɚ/
metaphor Word Etymology
metaphor = meta- (beyond) + phor (to carry), from Greek metaphora, meaning 'transfer'. Originally from Greek to describe a transfer of meaning, envision 'painting a vivid picture with words' connecting two worlds.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I pick up a mug and set it on the table, watching my hands move with small, careful steps. As I turn the mug in my hand, I notice one image slipping beside another in my head, and I start to feel how they pull toward each other. The effort to align them—to hold both ideas at once, to shift meaning without breaking truth—tugs at my thoughts. That moment of letting one thing stand in for another, a metaphor, settles into how we speak and think about the world.
Real Context
Metaphor is a figure of speech that describes one thing by using language normally reserved for another, creating a vivid image in the reader's mind. It goes beyond a straightforward comparison and transfers meaning from a familiar domain to a new one, often enriching tone and emotion. Unlike a simile, which uses like or as, a metaphor asserts a direct equivalence: 'Time is a thief.' We rely on context to interpret the connection, and well-worn metaphors can shape how we think about abstract ideas, relationships, or culture. Mastering metaphor involves noticing implied similarities, testing for clarity, and avoiding distant or clichéd mappings.
Usage Reminders
- Craft vivid images with metaphor, but avoid collapsing into confusion. Avoid clichés and seek fresh images. Remember metaphor implies similarity, not literal truth. Check cultural associations, since some images travel poorly. Practice by revising plain sentences into metaphor-rich versions.
Common Misconceptions
- A metaphor claims something is literally true.
- All metaphors use like or as (that’s a simile).
- Metaphors always name a direct identity between things.
- Metaphors are rare and highly literary, not for everyday speech.
- If a metaphor is understood in one language, it automatically translates perfectly.
Thinking Differences
Metaphor in English often relies on a direct identity between two domains, creating a strong image without explicit comparison words; learners must avoid overextending or mixing metaphors.
Learning Tips
- 1) Identify the base domain (animal, object, person) in the metaphor.
- 2) Check if there is a direct link or a symbolic link between domains.
- 3) Replace vague imagery with concrete, vivid images.
- 4) Test the metaphor in different contexts to ensure clarity.
- 5) Keep a notebook of fresh metaphors you encounter.
- Practice converting plain sentences into metaphor-rich versions.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'metaphor'?
A.A musical instrument
B.A type of fruit
C.Comparison of unlike things
D.A geographical feature
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is the word 'metaphor' used correctly?
A.He played a metaphor to entertain the audience.
B.The metaphor river was flowing rapidly.
C.She described her sadness as a dark cloud, using a metaphor.
D.I saw a metaphor while hiking in the mountains.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'metaphor'?
A.Exact
B.Reality
C.Analogy
D.Differ
Step 4: Opposite Words
In which of the following situations would 'metaphor' be used?
A.Baking a cake
B.Describing a painting
C.Solving a math problem
D.Watering plants
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a metaphor?
A.A pen in my hand
B.A chair with four legs
C.A heart of stone
D.A book on the shelf
Related Listening
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