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metaphoric

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˌmɛtəˈfɔrɪk/

KK: /mɛtəˈfɔrɪk/

adjective
Definition

Describing something in a way that uses a metaphor, which is a figure of speech that compares two different things without using 'like' or 'as'.


Example

The poet used a metaphoric expression to convey deep emotions.


Conversation
Sloth A
I just read a book that used some really interesting metaphoric language.
Sloth B
Oh really? I love when authors do that, it adds depth to the story.
Sloth A
Exactly! It made me think about life in a whole new way.
Sloth B
That's the power of metaphoric expressions; they can change your perspective.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
figurative
symbolic
representative
Antonyms
literal
direct
explicit
Root Explanation

Metaphoric → It is formed from "meta-" (meaning beyond or change) and "phorikos" (from "phorēin", meaning to carry). The word "metaphoric" refers to something that carries meaning beyond its literal sense, often used in figurative language.

Memory Tip

Think of 'carrying' ('phorēin') a meaning that goes 'beyond' ('meta-') the literal interpretation — that's what metaphoric means.

Visually Confused Words
unmetaphorical
ephoric
semaphoric
megasporic
megaphonic
kataphoric
cataphoric
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