What is a metaphor?
A metaphor is a figure of speech where a word or expression is used to describe something other than what it literally means. Metaphors are a central part of language and literature, and they help us understand and describe complex or abstract concepts in a more concrete and illustrative way. Metaphors are not only the means of poetry or fiction, but are also widely used in everyday language, science and philosophy.
How does metaphor work?
Metaphor works by connecting two different things that are usually unrelated, but have some common feature or characteristic. This common feature helps create a new meaning or perspective. For example, in the phrase “life is a journey”, life is equated with a journey, which brings out the idea that life has stages, goals and obstacles, just like a journey.
The structure of the metaphor
A metaphor usually has two parts:
- Target domain (target domain): The thing that is described using a metaphor. For example, “life” in the sentence “life is a journey”.
- Source domain (source domain): The thing that is used to describe the target area. For example, “journey” in the sentence “life is a journey”.
Types of metaphor
There are many kinds of metaphors, and they can be divided into different types according to how they work and in which contexts they are used. Here are some common types of metaphors:
- Conceptual metaphors: In these, abstract concepts are described with the help of concrete things. For example, “time is money” describes time as a valuable resource.
- Visual metaphors: These are used especially in art and advertising and are based on visual elements. For example, an advertisement in which a car is described as a cheetah emphasizes the car’s speed and agility.
- Dead metaphors: These are so established that they are no longer perceived as metaphorical. For example, “passing of time” is a metaphor, but it is used so commonly that its original figurative meaning has been obscured.
Meaning and use of metaphor
Metaphors are important because they help us understand and communicate complex thoughts and feelings. They enrich the language and make communication livelier and more effective. Metaphors can also reveal cultural and societal values and beliefs, as they reflect the way we see the world.
You can read more about metaphors from, for example, the following sources:
Wikipedia: Metafora
Kielikello: Metaphor and mental images
