Definition

Relating to a figure of speech where a word or phrase is used to describe something in a way that is not literally true, often to create a comparison or to convey a deeper meaning.

Example

The author's use of metaphorical language made the poem more vivid and expressive.

Conversation

I really enjoyed that book we read last month.

Me too! The way it used metaphorical language was fascinating.

Exactly! It made the story so much deeper and more relatable.

I agree, those metaphorical elements added a lot of emotion to the plot.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Metaphorical → It is formed from "meta-" (meaning beyond or change) and "phor" (from Greek "phorein", meaning to carry) and the suffix "-ical" (meaning pertaining to). The word "metaphorical" refers to something that carries a meaning beyond its literal sense.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'carries' ('phor') a meaning 'beyond' ('meta') its literal interpretation — that's what metaphorical means.

Visually Confused Words