metaphor
//ˈmɛt.ə.fə//
formalForms
- Plural
- metaphors
- present (v1)
- metaphor
- past (v2)
- metaphored
- past participle (v3)
- metaphored
- present participle
- metaphoring
- 3rd person singular
- metaphors
Definitions
1.The use of a word, phrase, concept, or set of concepts to refer to something other than its literal meaning, invoking an implicit similarity between the thing described and what is denoted by the word, etc., that is used.
- The next group of computational approaches to metaphor assume that metaphor is basically a hidden analogy.
2.A word or phrase used in such implied comparison.
- To torture the metaphor, though, they’re sitting at a table outside the Nazi bar; their friends are there, they’re having a good time, maybe they hear a slur emanate from the window from time to time.
3.The use of an everyday object or concept to represent an underlying facet of the computer and thus aid users in performing tasks.
1.To use a metaphor.
2.To describe by means of a metaphor.
Frequency
Overall
Rare· #4361
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Rare
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Etymology
From Middle French métaphore
From Latin metaphora
From Ancient Greek μεταφορά (metaphorá)
From μεταφέρω (metaphérō, “to transfer, apply”)
From μετά (metá, “with, across, after”) + φέρω (phérō, “to bear, carry”).