A metaphoran expression that describes one thing by comparing it to another is a word or phrase used to describe something by comparing it with something else in a non-literalnot using the exact ordinary meaning of words way. It helps create a vividclear, bright, and easy to imagine mentally picture or make an idea easier to understand.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈmɛtəfɔr/
Easy pronunciation: MET-uh-for (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress on the first syllable: MET.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Metaphor Meaning
A non-literal comparison used in language.
Part of speech: noun
Definition: A figure of speech that describes one thing by saying it is another, in order to show a shared quality or idea.
Example: In the poem, the city is a sleeping giant.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- analogy — Related idea, but not a direct substitute; an analogy explains a comparison rather than serving as the figure of speech itself.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- People sometimes use metaphor and simile interchangeably, but a simile uses words like 'like' or 'as' while a metaphor makes a direct comparison.
- A metaphor is not the same as an analogy, though all three involve comparison.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of metaphor?
A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes one thing as if it were another, to suggest a similarity.
What is a simple example of a metaphor?
'Time is a thief' is a simple metaphor because it compares time to a thief without using like or as.
What are synonyms for metaphor?
There are very few true synonyms for metaphor. Analogy is related, but it is not a perfect substitute.
What is the difference between a metaphor and a simile?
A metaphor says one thing is another, while a simile compares things using 'like' or 'as'.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.