a figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity
Used in a Sentence
metaphor
How to use metaphor in a sentence. Example sentences and definitions for metaphor.
Editorial note
Nolan is presenting a metaphor of life itself as a Penrose staircase, and portraying faith as the way out.
Examples8
Definitions1
Parts of speech1
Quick take
a figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity
Meaning at a glance
The clearest senses and uses of metaphor gathered in one view.
Definitions
Core meanings and parts of speech for metaphor.
noun
a figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity
Example sentences
Nolan is presenting a metaphor of life itself as a Penrose staircase, and portraying faith as the way out.
Documents on a desktop is an outgrown metaphor that just nobody seems to have the courage to jettison.
"I imagine 99% of the time that metaphor is made the author would be just as happy saying "JS is the new C", it simply doesn't roll off the tongue as well.
It is a metaphor used to explain different psychological states.
The poor quality interface and software design is a perfect metaphor for the developer behind it.
I fear that this is one of those "I've heard someone make a metaphor and taken it too literally, then rebutted that literalism broadly.
If you wanted a bicycle metaphor, apple has invented a wonderful carbon fibre bicycle that everybody wants.
I'm not making a value judgement in either direction there--I feel that poetry is a good metaphor, because things in Scala tend to fall apart in the reading department.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers drawn from the clearest meanings and examples for this word.
How do you use metaphor in a sentence?
Nolan is presenting a metaphor of life itself as a Penrose staircase, and portraying faith as the way out.
What does metaphor mean?
a figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity
What part of speech is metaphor?
metaphor is commonly used as noun.