Main Entry:

met·a·phor

Pronunciation:

\ˈme-tə-ˌfȯr also -fər\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English methaphor, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French metaphore, from Latin metaphora, from Greek, from metapherein to transfer, from meta- + pherein to bear — more at bear

Date:

15th century

1: a figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them (as in drowning in money) ; broadly : figurative language — compare simile2: an object, activity, or idea treated as a metaphor : symbol 2

— met·a·phor·ic \ˌme-tə-ˈfȯr-ik, -ˈfär-\ or met·a·phor·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adjective

— met·a·phor·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb