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Literature vocabulary · Literary Devices and Figures of Speech

Metonymy

Meaning in literature, with examples

nounCommon term

In literature, metonymy means: Referring to something by naming a closely associated thing.

In Turkish: ad aktarması, mecazımürsel

How it is used

Use for association, such as a crown standing for royal power; explain the connection.

Example sentences

  1. The poem uses metonymy when 'the crown' orders the villagers to leave.

    The royal object stands for the authority issuing the order.

  2. We identified metonymy in the sentence where 'the stage' offers the young actor a future.

    The place of performance stands for a career in theatre.

Common collocations

  • use metonymy
  • an example of metonymy
  • figure of speechA use of words in a non-literal or unusual way to create a special effect or meaning, such as a metaphor, simile, hyperbole or personification.
  • metaphorA figure of speech that describes one thing as if it were something else, without using 'like' or 'as', to show a hidden similarity.

More terms: Literary Devices and Figures of Speech

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