Metonymy
Metonymy
Metonymy (/mɪˈtɒnɪmi/; from the Greek: μετωνυμία, metōnymía, 'change of name', from μετά, metá, 'after, beyond', and ὄνυμα, ónyma', 'name') is a figure of speech in which a thing or concept is referred to by the name of something closely associated with that thing or concept.
Etymology
The term "metonymy" has its origins in the Greek word metōnymía, which is a combination of the words metá (meaning 'after' or 'beyond') and ónyma (meaning 'name'). This term was used to describe a change of name or a substitution of one name for another.
Definition
Metonymy is a figure of speech that replaces the name of a thing with the name of something else with which it is closely associated. For example, "Washington" is a metonym for the U.S. government because of the city's association with the federal government.
Types of Metonymy
There are several types of metonymy, including:
- Synecdoche: A type of metonymy in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa.
- Metalepsis: A type of metonymy in which a word or phrase from figurative speech is used in a new context.
Related Terms
- Simile: A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind.
- Metaphor: A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.
- Analogy: A comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Metonymy
- Wikipedia's article - Metonymy
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