metaphorical
adjective /ˌmet.əˈfɒr.ɪ.kəl/
/ˌmet̬.əˈfɑːr-/ (also metaphoric)Definition
› describes language that contains metaphors: Her second novel is written in a very metaphorical style.Figurative use of language › not having real existence but representing some truth about a situation or other subject: A metaphorical ocean (= extremely large area of disagreement) lies between the two groups. There is a danger that America's metaphoric 'war on drugs' may turn into a bloody reality.Figurative use of languageSigns, signals and symbolsSpecific signs and symbols metaphorically /-kəl.i/ adverb › The phrase 'born again' is used metaphorically to mean that someone has suddenly become very religious. By leaving school without any qualifications, she has, metaphorically speaking, shot herself in the foot (= harmed her chances of success).Figurative use of language
(Definition of metaphorical adjective from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus
© Cambridge University Press)
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Synonyms and related words:
- a metaphor for sth idiom
- allusion noun
- anthropomorphism noun
- as it were idiom
- fig. adjective
- figurative adjective (LANGUAGE)
- figuratively adverb
- figure of speech noun
- idiom noun
- imagery noun
- ironic adjective
- irony noun (TYPE OF SPEECH)
- metaphor noun
- metonymy noun
- mix your metaphors idiom
- mixed metaphor noun
- pathetic fallacy noun
- so to speak idiom
- symbol noun
Topic:
Figurative use of language
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