What is Metaphor? Definition, Meaning & Example
A figure of speech that describes one thing as if it were something else, without using 'like' or 'as'.
TL;DR: A figure of speech that describes one thing as if it were something else, without using 'like' or 'as'.
Written & reviewed by the Syllab.in Academic Team (CBSE/NCERT subject experts) · Updated
Metaphor: A figure of speech that describes one thing as if it were something else, without using 'like' or 'as'.
Explanation
Metaphors create vivid comparisons between two different things by saying one thing is another. For example, 'Time is money' or 'Life is a journey'. Unlike similes which use 'like' or 'as', metaphors make a direct comparison. Metaphors are powerful writing tools because they help readers understand ideas by comparing them to familiar things. Dead metaphors are overused metaphors like 'drowning in homework' that have lost their impact. Understanding metaphors helps appreciate poetry and literature. Mixed metaphors occur when two different metaphors are confused, creating confusion.
Example
The sentence 'Her voice was music to my ears' is a metaphor comparing her voice to music, meaning she sounded pleasant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between metaphor and simile?
A metaphor says something IS something else, while a simile says something is LIKE something else using 'like' or 'as'.
Why do writers use metaphors?
Metaphors make writing more interesting and help readers understand abstract ideas by comparing them to concrete, familiar things.
More English Terms
🤖 Stuck on any of these? Ask Syllab's free AI Tutor to explain step by step →