Glossary of Linguistic Terms

Metaphor

Definition: 

Here are two senses of metaphor:

  1. A metaphor is the expression of an understanding of one concept in terms of another concept, where there is some similarity or correlation between the two.
  2. A metaphor is the understanding itself of one concept in terms of another.
Examples: 

(English)

The following sentences illustrate how the metaphorical understanding of anger-as-fire is expressed:

  • Your insincere apology just added fuel to the fire.
  • After the argument, Dave was smoldering for days.
  • That kindled my ire.
  • Boy, am I burned up!
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