Metonymical meaning

Metonymical refers to a figure of speech in which an object or concept is represented by a related term.


Metonymical definitions

Word backwards lacimynotem
Part of speech Adjective
Syllabic division me-ton-y-mi-cal
Plural The plural of the word "metonymical" is "metonymical."
Total letters 11
Vogais (4) e,o,i,a
Consonants (6) m,t,n,y,c,l

Metonymical refers to a figure of speech in which one term is substituted with another term that is closely related or associated with it in some way. This literary device is often used to create a more vivid or expressive image in the reader's mind.

Origin of Metonymical

The term metonymical comes from the Greek word "metōnumia," which means a change of name. It has been used in literature for centuries to add depth and layers of meaning to a writer's work. By using metonymy, writers can evoke certain emotions, themes, or ideas without explicitly stating them.

Examples of Metonymy

One of the most famous examples of metonymy is "The White House" being used to refer to the President of the United States or the office of the presidency itself. In this case, the physical building represents the leadership and authority of the government.

Another common example is the use of "crown" to refer to a monarch or royal family. The crown, which is a physical object, is used metonymically to represent the power and authority associated with royalty.

Metonymy often relies on context and shared cultural knowledge to be effective. By understanding the relationship between the substituted term and the intended meaning, readers can appreciate the subtle nuances and symbolic significance of metonymical language.


Metonymical Examples

  1. Referring to the White House as "the Oval Office" is a metonymical way to talk about the U.S. presidency.
  2. When people say "Hollywood" to refer to the American film industry, they are using a metonymical expression.
  3. Using "the crown" to represent the monarchy is a common metonymical practice.
  4. Referring to "Wall Street" is often metonymical when talking about the financial industry in the U.S.
  5. When someone says "The pen is mightier than the sword," they are using a metonymical expression to refer to literature's power.
  6. Describing someone as being from "the Big Apple" is a metonymical way of saying they are from New York City.
  7. When people discuss "Silicon Valley," they are usually referring metonymically to the tech industry in California.
  8. Using "the press" to represent journalism and media is a metonymical practice.
  9. Referring to "the crown" is a metonymical way to indicate the British monarchy.
  10. When people say "Capitol Hill" to refer to the U.S. Congress, they are using a metonymical expression.


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  • Updated 05/05/2024 - 00:37:23