Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Expressing one thing in terms normally denoting another: Describing a word or phrase that is used not with its literal meaning, but to suggest a likeness or analogy between two different things. It is a form of figurative language.
   • Characterized by or using metaphor: Pertaining to or of the nature of a metaphor.

Usage

The adjective metaphoric is used to describe language, expressions, or concepts that operate like a metaphor. It is often interchangeable with metaphorical. It is typically placed before a noun (e.g., metaphoric language) or used after a linking verb (e.g., The description was metaphoric).

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The poet used metaphoric language to describe the sunset as a "blazing farewell."
  • Her statement was purely metaphoric; she didn't mean she was actually drowning in work.
  • The term "a sea of troubles" is a metaphoric expression for having many problems.

Advanced Usage

• Metaphoric Extension: The process by which a word's meaning is broadened through metaphorical use.
  • The word "mouse" for a computer device is a metaphoric extension of the animal's name.
• Metaphoric Thinking: A cognitive process of understanding one concept in terms of another.
  • Children often engage in metaphoric thinking when they pretend a box is a car.

Variants and Related Words

• Metaphorical (adj): The more common variant, identical in meaning to "metaphoric."
  • He spoke in metaphorical terms about the journey of life.
• Metaphor (n): The figure of speech itself.
  • "Time is a thief" is a common metaphor.
• Metaphorically (adv): In a metaphoric manner.
  • She spoke metaphorically, not literally.

Synonyms

• Figurative: Not literal; using figures of speech.
• Symbolic: Serving as a symbol of something else.
• Allegorical: Involving or constituting an allegory (an extended metaphor).

Antonyms

• Literal: Taking words in their usual or most basic sense without metaphor or allegory.
• Nonfigurative: Not involving figures of speech; literal.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• A metaphor for: Something that represents or symbolizes something else.
  • The crumbling building was a metaphor for the decaying empire.
• In a metaphoric sense: Understanding something not literally, but as a representation.
  • He is the heart of the team, in a metaphoric sense.

Adjective

1. expressing one thing in terms normally denoting another
   • a metaphorical expression
   • metaphoric language