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synecdochic

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Word: Synecdochic

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: The term "synecdochic" refers to a way of speaking where you use a part of something to represent the whole, or vice versa. It can also mean using a specific example to represent a general idea, or using a general term to refer to something specific.

Simple Explanation:

Imagine if you say "all hands on deck" when you want everyone to help out. Here, "hands" (a part of people) represents the whole people. That's synecdochic!

Usage Instructions:

You can use "synecdochic" to describe a type of language or speech. It is often used in literature, poetry, and everyday conversation to create vivid images or to simplify complex ideas.

Examples:
  1. Common Example: "The White House issued a statement." (Here, "The White House" represents the President and his administration, not the building itself.)

  2. Literature Example: "He has a good head on his shoulders." (In this case, "head" refers to someone’s intelligence or thinking, not just the physical head.)

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced discussions, "synecdochic" can be analyzed in literary critiques or rhetorical analyses. Writers often use this technique to create deeper meaning or to draw attention to specific details.

Word Variants:
  • Synecdoche (noun): The actual term for this figure of speech. For example, saying "wheels" to mean a car is an example of synecdoche.
  • Synecdochically (adverb): To do something in a synecdochic manner.
Different Meanings:
  • While "synecdochic" specifically refers to the use of parts or specifics to represent wholes or generalities, it is commonly confused with "metonymy," which is when you use a related term (like "the crown" for royalty).
Synonyms:
  • Representative
  • Part-for-whole
  • Whole-for-part
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "synecdochic" itself is not commonly used in idioms or phrasal verbs, it relates to expressions that embody the same concept of using part for whole, like: - "Putting your best foot forward" (using a part, the foot, to represent the whole person).

Summary:

"Synecdochic" is a way of using language that helps express complex ideas simply and vividly.

Adjective
  1. using the name of a part for that of the whole or the whole for the part; or the special for the general or the general for the special; or the material for the thing made of it
    • to use `hand' for `worker' or `ten sail' for `ten ships' or `steel' for `sword' is to use a synecdochic figure of speech

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