Metaphorical Meaning
/ˌmɛtəˈfɒɹɪkəl/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjPertaining to or characterized by a metaphor; figurative; symbolic.
Sentence Examples
"Literally" can literally mean "metaphorically". "Literal" meaning "metaphorical" is also a literal irony.
Poetry is the expression of truth in metaphorical language.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
His statement about climbing a mountain was ____, meaning it was a life challenge.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Her description was ____, using the changing seasons to represent the different stages of a person's long and varied life.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree English metaphor Proto-Indo-European *-ikos Proto-Italic *-ikos Latin -icuslbor. Old French -iquebor. Middle English -ik English -ic English metaphoric Proto-Indo-European *h₂el-der.? Proto-Italic *-ālis Latin -ālisbor. Old French -albor. ▲ Latin -ālis Old French -elbor. ▲ Latin -ālisbor. Middle English -al English -al English metaphorical From metaphoric + -al.
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CEFR Practice Quiz
His statement about climbing a mountain was ____, meaning it was a life challenge.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Her description was ____, using the changing seasons to represent the different stages of a person's long and varied life.