metonymy
1
9.3
- noun
- /məˈtɪnəmi/
- Literature
:
metonimia
- In literature, metonymy is often used when a part of something represents the whole, like using 'the crown' to refer to royal authority.
- metaphor and metonymy
- metonymy and synecdoche
- the trope of metonymy
What is a metonymy or here translated metonym?
- What is a metonymy or here translated metonym?
Examples
-
Of course, this is the reverse of how metonymy usually works, where an article of clothing might indicate a person's function.
Academic text (2005) -
For Dickens, metonymy is the foundation and support of metaphor (13).
Academic text (2005) -
Kearns is acute in noting the ways in which metonymy works in this novel.
Academic text (2005) -
Galdos, though, is clever enough to combine metonymy and metaphor.
Academic text (1992) -
More remarkably, this narration includes a few instances of metonymy, such as "Soneji picked up a small reindeer sweater..."
Academic text (2003) -
The two forms of association, by similarity (metaphor) and by contiguity (metonymy), are universals; no additional associative process is envisioned.
Academic text (1991) -
Several patient populations reliably suffer from diminished or otherwise altered comprehension of irony, humor, metonymy, and non-salient metaphors in particular.
Academic text (2008) -
The phrase 'Hollywood' is a common example of metonymy, as it represents the American film industry rather than just the geographical location.
-
When someone refers to the 'White House' to discuss the U.S. President's administration, they are employing metonymy.
How Figurative
- Literature
263
4.2
- Literature
1
9.3
Surface Forms
Etymology
Metonymy comes from two Greek parts, meta- meaning 'change' and onoma meaning 'name'. So metonymy is like a 'change of name' — using one thing's name for something closely connected, for example calling business leaders 'suits' or saying 'the White House' for the U.S. president.