metaphor

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'metaphor' is correct and usable in written English.
Metaphors are figures of speech which compare or associate two different things without using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’. For example, "Her smile was a ray of sunshine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As if to clinch the point, Reid ­directs me to the key metaphor in the book's first sequence, The ­Flowers of Crete, in which the ­seemingly ­unvanquishable Cretan ­minotaur is a metaphor for Lucinda's indestructible sarcoma.

The Guardian - Books

A strained metaphor perhaps, but Carlyle's other Loach-directed movie, Carla's Song, did have him driving a double decker bus.

The Guardian - Film

Filling out an NCAA tournament bracket is the perfect metaphor for life because it affords us the opportunity to make the same mistakes over and over and over again.

The Guardian - Sport

There were times though, during the frenetic eight-day shoot, that "the incident with the horse" looked as if it might become the defining metaphor for an undertaking that was fraught going on chaotic.

The Guardian - Arts

Maybe there's a metaphor in there for all of us.

The Guardian - Opinion

When it comes down to it, Shinn says, "pop culture is more interested in disability as a metaphor than in disability as something that happens to real people".

The Guardian - Opinion

In many ways, that image served as a metaphor for Rangers' season.

The Guardian - Sport

When it arrives, a week later, the sentence dismissing Baumeister's "catchy metaphor" has been deleted.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He then dismisses Baumeister's notion that willpower is like a muscle as probably nothing more than a "catchy metaphor".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The only way I could make progress was by metaphor".

The Guardian

He stops himself, retraces his steps, leaves long gaps while searching for exactly the right metaphor.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "metaphor", consider the cultural context and potential connotations to avoid unintended misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using tired or overused metaphors. Strive for originality to make your writing more impactful and engaging. Instead of saying something is "as easy as pie", try crafting a fresh comparison.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "metaphor" is as a noun, referring to a figure of speech. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to make an implicit comparison between two unrelated things, enriching language and providing deeper meaning. Examples from Ludwig show it used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Opinion

15%

Books

8%

Less common in

Lifestyle

6%

Sport

6%

Arts

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "metaphor", as confirmed by Ludwig AI, is a powerful linguistic tool used to enhance understanding and create vivid imagery. As a noun, it refers to a figure of speech that implicitly compares two unrelated things. Ludwig's examples show its prevalence across various contexts, including News & Media, Opinion, and Books, indicating its versatility and widespread use. To use "metaphor" effectively, ensure clarity and relevance to your audience, avoiding clichés for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

figure of speech

Broader term referring to any expressive language not meant to be taken literally.

figurative language

Highlights the non-literal use of words to create an image or convey a deeper meaning.

symbolic representation

Emphasizes the use of something to stand for or represent something else.

conceptual metaphor

Underlying structure of understanding one idea in terms of another.

analogy

Focuses on a comparison between two things, typically for explanation or clarification.

extended metaphor

A metaphor that is developed over several lines or throughout a work.

allegory

A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.

trope

A figurative or rhetorical device; a common or overused theme or device.

literary device

A technique used by writers to produce a specific effect in their writing.

poetic device

A specific form or technique used in poetry to produce a distinct effect.

FAQs

How is "metaphor" different from simile?

A "metaphor" directly equates two unlike things (e.g., "time is a thief"), whereas a simile uses 'like' or 'as' to make a comparison (e.g., "time is like a thief").

What are some examples of common metaphors?

Common metaphors include "the world is a stage", "a sea of troubles", and "heart of stone". These examples illustrate how abstract concepts can be understood through concrete images.

How do I effectively use metaphors in my writing?

To use metaphors effectively, ensure they are relevant, clear, and add depth to your writing. Avoid mixed metaphors and clichés to maintain originality and impact. Start by identifying a key quality you want to highlight and find a unique way to connect it to something familiar.

What is a "conceptual metaphor"?

A conceptual metaphor is a system where we understand one abstract idea in terms of another, more concrete one. For example, we often understand 'argument' in terms of 'war', leading to phrases like 'winning the argument' or 'defending your position'.