Metaphoric — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /ˈme-tə-ˌfȯr/ met·a·phor

Meaning & Definition of Metaphoric

Metaphoric (noun)

  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 swimming in paperwork); broadly, figurative language
  2. an object, activity, or idea treated as a metaphor, symbol

Metaphoric (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. expressing one thing in terms normally used for another

    "an author fond of such metaphorical phrases as the desert was a fiery furnace"

    similar: extended, figural, figurative, tropical, tropological
    related: Aesopian, allegorical, emblematic, symbolic, catachrestic, sylleptic, euphemistic, nonliteral, veritable
    opposite: nonfigurative, nonmetaphorical
    near: literal, nonsymbolic

Related Entry: Metaphor (noun)

Metaphor is a different word from Metaphoric. The synonyms below are for metaphor, not for metaphoric.

  1. an elaborate or fanciful way of expressing something

    "it's raining cats and dogs is just a colorful metaphor and not a meteorological announcement"

    similar: conceit, figure of speech
    related: device, analogy, circumlocution, code word, crank, dead metaphor, euphemism, simile, catachresis, mixed metaphor

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Metaphoric

The most common words with a similar meaning to Metaphoric:

extended, figural, figurative, tropical, tropological

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Metaphoric

Words with the opposite meaning of Metaphoric:

nonfigurative, nonmetaphorical

Related Words for Metaphoric

Aesopian, allegorical, emblematic, symbolic, catachrestic, sylleptic, euphemistic, nonliteral, veritable

Near Antonyms of Metaphoric

literal, nonsymbolic

Word Forms of Metaphoric

Derived words: metaphoric (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Metaphoric

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 bear

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Metaphoric

What does "Metaphoric" mean?

"Metaphoric" means 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 swimming in paperwork); broadly, figurative language. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: 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 swimming in paperwork); broadly, figurative language.

What is another word for "Metaphoric"?

Other words for "Metaphoric" include extended, figural, figurative, tropical and tropological. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Metaphoric" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Metaphoric"?

There are 14 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Metaphoric". Common alternatives include extended, figural, figurative, tropical and tropological.

What is the opposite of "Metaphoric"?

Antonyms of "Metaphoric" include nonfigurative and nonmetaphorical. Near antonyms include literal and nonsymbolic.

How do you use "Metaphoric" in a sentence?

Examples of "Metaphoric" in a sentence: "an author fond of such metaphorical phrases as the desert was a fiery furnace".

Is "Metaphoric" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Metaphoric" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Metaphoric"?

"Metaphoric" is pronounced /ˈme-tə-ˌfȯr/ and divided into syllables as met·a·phor.

What is the origin of the word "Metaphoric"?

"Metaphoric" comes from 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 bear. First known use: 15th century.