in literature metonymy

Metonymy Definition

Common examples of metonymy, usage of metonymy in speech or writing, famous metonymy, differences between metonymy, synecdoche, and metaphor, comparative examples of metonymy, synecdoche, and metaphor, writing metonymy, demonstrate linguistic skill, create imagery, avoid word and/or idea repetition, examples of metonymy in literature, example 1: a midsummer night’s dream (william shakespeare).

And as imagination bodies forth The forms of things unknown, the poet’s pen Turns them to shapes and gives to airy nothing A local habitation and a name.

Example 2:  All’s Well that Ends Well (William Shakespeare)

I know a man that had this trick of melancholy sold a goodly manor for a song.

Example 3:  Bartleby the Scrivener (Herman Melville)

As I afterwards learned, the poor scrivener, when told that he must be conducted to the Tombs, offered not the slightest obstacle, but in his pale, unmoving way, silently acquiesced.

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Metonymy Definition

What is metonymy? Here’s a quick and simple definition:

Metonymy is a type of figurative language in which an object or concept is referred to not by its own name, but instead by the name of something closely associated with it. For example, in "Wall Street prefers lower taxes," the New York City street that was the original home of the New York Stock Exchange stands in for (or is a "metonym" for) the entire American financial industry.

Some additional key details about metonymy:

• The use of metonymy dates back to ancient Greece.
• Metonymy is found in poetry, prose, and everyday speech.
• A common form of metonymy uses a place to stand in for an institution, industry, or person. "Wall Street" is an example of this, as is "the White House" to mean the President or Presidential administration of the United States, or "Hollywood" to mean the American film industry.
• Metonymy in literature often substitutes a concrete image for an abstract concept. "Heart" can be used to mean "love," or "grave" to mean "death."

Metonymy Pronunciation

Here's how to pronounce metonymy: meh- tahn -uh-mee

Metonymy, Synecdoche, Metaphor, and Metalepsis

Metonymy is commonly confused with three other types of figurative language:

It's helpful to understand what makes metonymy distinct from each of them.

Metonymy vs. Synecdoche

Both metonymy and synecdoche create a relationship in which one thing or idea stands in for another. But the specific relationship between the two objects is much more precise and specific in synecdoche than it is in metonymy:

• In synecdoche: Most synecdoches occur when a part of an object stands in for the whole. For example, "ABCs" is a synecdoche, because A, B, and C are parts of the alphabet, but the term "ABCs" stands in for the entire alphabet. A rarer type of synecdoche occurs when a broader category stands in for a subset of that category. An example of this is when the word "mortals" is used to mean humans—"mortals" technically includes all animals and plants (anything that dies), so using "mortals" to mean humans is a synecdoche that uses a category to stand in for one of its subsets. Sometimes this type of synecdoche is described as a whole standing in for a part, the inverse of a typical synecdoche in which a part stands in for a whole.
• In metonymy: The relationship between the two things is not part-to-whole or whole-to-part, but is simply one of being closely conceptually related, as in a phrase like "The pen is mightier than the sword," in which "pen" stands in for writing and "sword" stands in for physical power.

Some people actually consider synecdoche to be a subset of metonymy, since to be a part of something is, by definition, to be closely related to that thing. Other people believe that the two terms are completely distinct—that metonymy can only occur when it proposes a relationship between two things that are not part of one another, and that synecdoche can never be simultaneously metonymy. There's no definitive consensus on which of these two ways of seeing metonymy and synecdoche is correct, so you should just know that the debate exists.

Metonymy vs. Metaphor

Metonymy and metaphor are similar in that both are forms of figurative language that create a comparison or relationship between two different things or ideas. However, the nature of the relationship is different.

• Metonymy is a comparison built on the relatedness of two different things. In his poem "Out, Out," Robert Frost describes a boy who has cut himself with a saw holding his bleeding hand up "as if to keep/The life from spilling." Clearly, Frost is using "life" to refer to blood, and we know this because blood is essential to life—the two are intuitively related, so we can grasp the metonymy without confusion. The relationship, in other words, between the metonym (life) and what it refers to (blood) is one of continuity— metonymy proposes that these two related things can be seen, poetically, as one and the same.
• Metaphor draws a comparison between the qualities of two unrelated things. For example (to use "life" again), in Shakespeare's play Macbeth the main character observes that "life...is a tale/Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,/Signifying nothing." To say that "life is a tale told by an idiot" is a metaphor, because Shakespeare is attempting to project the qualities of a meaningless tale onto life—he wants us to consider life as a rambling narrative that is dramatic but empty. Shakespeare is not pointing out a continuity between life and a tale (the two are not interchangeable), but rather creating a new way of thinking about life by making a comparison between the qualities of a "tale told by an idiot" and the nature of life.

Metaphor, then, projects the meaning of one thing onto an unrelated thing. Metonymy points out that two things are so closely related that they can stand in for one another.

Metonymy vs. Metalepsis

While metonymy proposes a relationship between two closely related things, metalepsis creates a more distant relationship between a figurative word and the thing to which it refers. This is an abstract concept, so it's best to illustrate it with an example. Take the sentence below:

• I hate it when Morris drives because he has such a lead foot.

Translated, the sentence says:

• I hate it when Morris drives because he always speeds.

The phrase "lead foot" is a metalepsis that refers to a driver who speeds. To decode the relationship between "lead foot" and its meaning of "speeding," though, you first have to understand a metonymy within the phrase itself. In this context, "lead" does not literally refer to the metal. Because lead is an uncommonly heavy material, "lead" metonymically stands in for the notion of weight. If a driver's foot is heavy, then it would press more on the gas pedal, causing the car to speed—hence, a "lead foot."

Since the relationship between "lead foot" and "speeding driver" is made not by direct association, but rather through a secondary association between lead and heaviness (a metonymy), this figure of speech is considered a metalepsis. For this reason, metalepsis is often called a "metonymy of a metonymy"—it's a metonymic association ("lead foot" with "speeding") that relies on a secondary metonymy ("lead" with "heaviness") in order to make sense.

As with synecdoche, some people consider metalepsis to be a subset of metonymy, while others consider it to be a distinct but closely-related concept.

Metonymy Examples

Metonymy is everywhere in spoken and written language—it's in poetry and prose, the political jargon that fills newspapers and radio, songs, folk sayings, and more.

Metonymy Examples in Common Idioms

Many common idioms are examples of metonymy. In fact, some of these idioms seem so common and straightforward that it might be jarring to realize that their meanings aren't actually literal.

• "Boots on the ground" is a phrase which generally refers to deployed members of the military, and uses "boots" as a metonym for soldiers.
• A "head count" is when somebody determines the number of people in a particular place—"head" stands in for people (and, thus, it's also a synecdoche, since a head is a part of a person).
• To "lend a hand" isn't literally to let someone borrow a part of your body. "Hand" is a metonym for helping, since hands are closely associated with labor.
• "From the cradle to the grave" is a common expression that means the whole of a person's life—"cradle" stands in for birth, and "grave" for death.

Metonymy Examples in Political Language

Metonymy is particularly common in speaking and writing about politics, especially within the media. This popularity may stem from the fact that metonymy allows for the replacement of long or complicated ideas with simpler (and shorter) stand-ins, and writing concisely is always a goal of journalists.

• If "The White House declined to comment" were understood literally, then it wouldn't be newsworthy—a building is always silent. But when used as it is in the example, "The White House" refers to the President of the United States (or the President and the President's staff), rather than to the building.
• Similarly, in England, "Downing Street" (a reference to the Prime Minister's residence at 10 Downing Street in London) is typically meant to stand in for the Prime Minister and his or her staff.
• "No news from Capitol Hill" doesn't literally refer to a lack of news from the neighborhood surrounding the United States Capitol Building. It refers to a quiet day from the U.S. Congress, which assembles in the Capitol Building on Capitol Hill.

Metonymy in Songs

Metonymy is also often found in song lyrics. This is, in part due to the fact that associative thinking is at the heart of the creative process, in part because an unexpected word can be so evocative, and also because being able to use one word to stand in for another can be convenient for rhyme.

Metonymy in "Juicy" by Notorious B.I.G

In "Juicy," Notorious B.I.G. raps:

Now I'm in the limelight 'cause I rhyme tight

Here he's using "limelight" as a metonymy for fame (a "limelight" was a kind of spotlight used in old theaters). Biggie's use of metonymy here also sets him up for a sweet rhyme.

Metonymy in "Ebony and Ivory" by Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder

Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder's duet "Ebony and Ivory" has the chorus:

Ebony and ivory Live together in perfect harmony Side by side on my piano keyboard Oh lord, why don't we?

These lyrics contain a double metonymy in which colors (ebony and ivory, or black and white) stand in simultaneously for piano keys and race relations.

Metonymy in "Hey Jude" by The Beatles

In another Beatles-related example, the song "Hey Jude" contains the line:

Remember to let her into your heart.

Obviously, Paul McCartney doesn't mean this literally when he sings it—he's not advising someone to go find a surgeon. Since the heart is closely associated with love, the line uses metonymy to remind Jude not to close himself off to love.

Metonymy Examples in Literature

Metonymy is one of the most commonly-used literary devices in both poetry and prose.

Metonymy in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

Perhaps the most iconic use of metonymy in literature comes from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar , when Mark Antony says:

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears

Here Mark Antony is using "ears" to refer to the act of listening—he's asking everyone to pay attention to his speech.

Metonymy in John Keats "Ode to a Nightingale"

In "Ode to a Nightingale," John Keats writes the phrase:

O, for a draught of vintage! that hath been Cool'd a long age in the deep-delved earth,

Keats is using "vintage" to mean wine, since a wine's vintage (or how old it is) is one of its essential attributes. Also, note how Keats use of metonymy here allows him to preserve the poem's meter , which is iambic pentameter. Keats' use of "vintage" instead of "wine" allows the line to weigh in at ten syllables, preserving the proper rhythm of stressed and unstressed syllables.

Metonymy in Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

In the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn , Mark Twain (writing in Huck Finn's voice) often uses the metonym "body" to mean "person." For example:

• "He said he reckoned a body could reform the ole man with a shot-gun maybe"
• "I went and told the Widow about it, and she said the thing a body could get by praying for it was 'spiritual gifts'."

These uses of metonymy help to characterize Huck as somebody who speaks idiomatically rather than in standard English. That Huck's use of metonymy here makes him seem more authentically like a poor kid from the American South in pre-Civil War days also emphasizes how common metonymy is in everyday speech.

Why Do Writers Use Metonymy?

Writers use metonymy for many reasons. Sometimes it's to find a poetic way to say something that would otherwise be plain or quotidian, much like a restaurant makes its food sound fancy by metonymically calling it a "dish." Other times a writer might seek to convey an abstract concept (like love or birth) through a concrete image (a heart or a cradle). The above examples from John Keats and Notorious B.I.G. show that writers—particularly poets—sometimes use metonymy to help preserve rhythm or rhyme. Similarly, a writer could use metonymy to enhance the sound of a passage through devices, such as assonance , alliteration , or sibilance . For example, if you wanted to open a dog spa, the alliterative and metonymic "Pampered Paws" would be a much better name than "Pampered Dogs."

More abstractly, though, metonymy is an example of the kind of associative thinking that allows literature to capture and express the complicated and non-literal experience of life. As a form of figurative language , metonymy is a way to get words to mean more than they normally would by layering figurative meanings and associations onto a word's literal meaning. Metonymy, then, helps to add complexity and mystery—it helps to add life—to works of literature.

Other Helpful Metonymy Resources

• The Wikipedia page on Metonymy has more examples of metonymy, a discussion of metonymy in ancient rhetoric, and an introduction to the importance of metonymy in 20th century critical theory.
• The Dictionary Definition of Metonymy : Includes a bit on the etymology of metonymy (spoiler: it’s derived from an ancient Greek word meaning “a changing of name”).
• wiseGEEK explains some concepts related to metonymy, including its specific use in Old English (Anglo-Nordic )poetry.
• If you want to dive deep, this website gives an overview of the "Four Master Tropes," Kenneth Burke's famous literary theory of figures of speech . Metonymy features prominently in Burke's theory, and the explanation gives a good overview of the differences between different types of figurative language.

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Literary Devices

Literary devices, terms, and elements, definition of metonymy, common examples of metonymy, difference between metonymy and synecdoche, significance of metonymy in literature, examples of metonymy in literature.

Their ocean-keel boarding, they drove through the deep, and Daneland left. A sea-cloth was set, a sail with ropes, firm to the mast; the flood-timbers moaned; nor did wind over billows that wave-swimmer blow across from her course.

( Beowulf— Tr. John Crowther)

MARCELLUS: Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.

( Hamlet by William Shakespeare)

The party preserved a dignified homogeneity, and assumed to itself the function of representing the staid nobility of the countryside—East Egg condescending to West Egg, and carefully on guard against its spectroscopic gayety.

He tried to remember in what year he had first heard mention of Big Brother. He thought it must have been at some time in the sixties, but it was impossible to be certain. In the Party histories, of course, Big Brother figured as the leader and guardian of the Revolution since its very earliest days. His exploits had been gradually pushed backwards in time until already they extended into the fabulous world of the forties and the thirties, when the capitalists in their strange cylindrical hats still rode through the streets of London in great gleaming motor-cars or horse carriages with glass sides. There was no knowing how much of this legend was true and how much invented. Winston could not even remember at what date the Party itself had come into existence.

( 1984 by George Orwell)

The “Party” in George Orwell’s novel 1984 stands in for the highest officials of this new government. By using the metonymy to refer to the individuals, Orwell further separates the governing class from any sense of humanity; no one in the society seems to know the name of any actual ruling member. Even “Big Brother,” who seems to start out as an individual, comes to represent the ubiquitous surveillance of the government and not an actual man. The term “Big Brother” has entered the English lexicon as a metonym for government that interferes too much in private life.

Test Your Knowledge of Metonymy

People go to the movies instead of moving! Hollywood characters are supposed to have all the adventures for everybody in America, while everybody in America sits in a dark room and watches them have them! Yes, until there’s a war. That’s when adventure becomes available to the masses! Everyone’s dish, not only Gable’s! Then the people in the dark room come out of the dark room to have some adventures themselves — Goody, goody! — It’s our turn now, to go to the south Sea Island — to make a safari — to be exotic, far-off! — But I’m not patient. I don’t want to wait till then. I’m tired of the movies and I am about to move!

Which of the following words is an example of metonymy? A. Hollywood B. America C. Neither [spoiler title=”Answer to Question #3″] Answer: C is the correct answer. This is a difficult question, as the first two answers seem like they could be right. However, in the context that Williams has used them, Hollywood and America are not metonymies. This is because he refers to “Hollywood characters” and “everybody in America,” thus attaching the place names to people and not letting the place names stand in for people.[/spoiler]

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• Definition & Examples
• When & How to Write a Metonymy

I. What is a Metonymy ?

The pen is mightier than the sword.

Although literally a pen has no power over a sword, we understand this phrase means that the written word and the sharing of ideas, are more powerful than fighting, or physical force. This phrase uses metonymy (pronounced mi- ton – uh -mee), which is a figure of speech that replaces words with related or associated words.  A metonym is typically a part of a larger whole, for example, when we say “wheels,” we are figuratively referring to a “car” and not literally only the wheels.  So, “wheels” are the associated part that represent the whole car. In the example above, we replaced “written words” with “the pen.”

The word metonymy is derived from the Greek phrase metōnymía meaning “a change of name.”

II. Examples of  Metonymy

Hollywood has been releasing a surprising amount of sci-fi movies lately.

Hollywood is literally a district in Los Angeles, but because it has come to be linked to the entertainment business, celebrities, and movie-making, it is a common example of metonymy. Instead of listing various directors and films released in various areas, “Hollywood,” an associated word, will suffice.

The kitchen is coming along nicely

This example means that the renovation work on the kitchen is moving quickly and efficiently. Because the kitchen is the room being worked on, we can simplify the sentence using only “the kitchen” as a metonymic phrase.

Do you want a piece of my Danish ?

Danish, originally an adjective for the full phrase Danish pastry, has come to replace the phrase as a metonymic word. On a daily basis, we take many metonymies for granted.

III. The Importance of  Metonymy

Because associative and referential thinking are so natural and automatic to us, metonymies can be found and understood frequently in everyday language, literature, and pop culture. Metonymies allow for brevity by replacing lists with an associated category. They summarize complicated processes or programs with shortened phrases. Finally, they emphasize the most important and defining characteristics of a subject such as a “Margherita” for a “Margherita pizza.”

IV. Examples of  Metonymy  in Literature

From Richard Russo’s novel Straight Man :

As I drift back into sleep, I can’t help thinking that it’s a wonderful thing to be right about the world . To weigh the evidence, always incomplete, and correctly intuit the whole, to see the world in a grain of sand, to recognize its beauty, its simplicity, its truth.

In this example, the narrator is not literally talking about an understanding of the entire world, but an understanding of how life works in a particular society of the world. With metonymy, this idea can be presented as simply “the world.”

From Herman Melville’s Moby Dick :

You must know that in a settled and civilized ocean like our Atlantic , for example, some skippers think little of pumping their whole way across it; though of a still, sleepy night, should the officer of the deck happen to forget his duty in that respect, the probability would be that he and his shipmates would never again remember it, on account of all hands gently subsiding to the bottom.

In this example, “our Atlantic” is a shortened and personalized form of “the Atlantic Ocean.” “All hands” refer to all of the men working on the ship’s crew.

V. Examples of  Metonymy  in Pop Culture

First, listen to John Legend’s “All of Me”:

What would I do without your smart mouth ? Drawing me in, and you kicking me out ‘Cause all of me Loves all of you

This song uses metonymy when the speaker wonders what he would do without “your smart mouth,” speaking to a woman through one of her defining features. In the chorus, instead of saying “I love you,” the speaker says “All of me loves all of you” to emphasize how strong and all-encompassing their love is.

For a second example, listen to “What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction:

You’re insecure, Don’t know what for, You’re turning heads when you walk through the door

The girl “turns heads.” Literally, she turns the heads of people watching her as she walks by them. This use of metonymy is common in both song and conversation.

VI.  Related Terms

For example, the overlap with synecdoche is so strong, many consider the two inseparable. Others argue that synecdoche is a specific type of metonymy. Synecdoche, like metonymy, is the replacement of a phrase with an associated phrase. Specifically, though, a part replaces a whole or a whole replaces a part.

Here are a few examples of synecdoche :

The White House released a statement last week.

In this example, an individual or set of individuals speaking on behalf of the White House, released a statement. With synecdoche, though, “The White House” is the only necessary information. The whole (The White House) replaces the part (individual employees of the White House).

Hey, look. Freckles is here!

Calling a person “Freckles” is a casual use of synecdoche. A defining attribute or part of the person (freckles) stands for the whole person.

Like metonymy, metalepsis involves the replacement of a phrase with another related phrase. Specifically, a literal phrase is replaced with a figurative phrase.

For example, a common adage is “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.” This means that one must not expect or plan for something good before it has happened. A metaleptic use of this phrase would be:

I made the mistake of counting my chickens before they hatched.

A common figurative phrase for being guilty is being caught red-handed.

Here is an example of a metaleptic phrase using “red-handed”:

We know he’s red-handed, we just have to prove it.

Metonymies take on numerous forms, from simple metonymic phrases to more complicated metalepses.

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Metonymy is a kind of figurative language that refers to a situation in which one term is substituted for another.

The substitution is made because of some preexisting relationships between the two things.   For example, “The pen is mightier than the sword” or “lend me your ear”. In the former, the word “pen” is substituted for the written word in general, and “sword” for military might.

Examples of Metonymy in Literature

Example #1  ode to a nightingale   by john keats.

One very straightforward example comes from John Keats’ ‘ Ode to a Nightingale’.  here are a few lines from the poem:

O, for a draught of vintage! that hath been          Cool’d a long age in the deep-delved earth, Tasting of Flora and the country green,          Dance, and Provençal song, and sunburnt mirth!

Here, the speaker refers to a “draught” or drink of “vintage”. In this line, the word “vintage” refers to wine, but it also speaks to its age. The use of this phrase is less common today than it might’ve been when Keats was writing. It would still be considered part of a more elevated way of speaking.

Today, if used, the context would be particular. This allows a reader, or in this case, a listener, to learn something about the person speaking. If someone chooses to say “vintage” rather than “old” there is a reason for it. That could be that they’re trying to tap into the history of the word, or that they are making a concerted effort to sound smarter.

Example #2  Easter, 1916   by William Butler Yeats 

A close reader can find an example of this technique at the end of the first stanza of this poem. Take a look at these lines:

To please a companion Around the fire at the club, Being certain that they and I But lived where motley is worn: All changed, changed utterly: A terrible beauty is born.

Here, YEats makes use of both metonymy and metaphor . He is speaking about the “motley” clothes the men are wearing. They are made up of different colours, unmatched. The people are “motley” just as their clothes are motley. The poet is speaking about their clothes and their cultural differences. re were many different types of people in Dublin when this poem was written, Protestants and Catholics, the rich, the poor, as well as those with varying allegiances to England and Ireland. A relationship is created between their clothes and their lives.

Example #3 Show   by Owen Sheers

This poem is divided into two parts, The first speaks on models walking down a catwalk while the second speaks on Shears’ girlfriend, what she did to get ready, and her entrance into the room. A reader can find an example of metonymy in the fourth stanza. Take a look at the lines:

leaving the crocodile pit of cameras flashing their teeth for more .

Here, the speaker, who is Shears himself, describes the predatory nature of the runway show. The group of cameramen are described as gathering in a “crocodile pit of cameras”. It is a dangerous place, one where the entire dynamic of the runway show is controlled. The first part of the poem speaks about the models powerfully, but at this point, things change.

Example #4 The Laboratory   by Robert Browning

‘The Laboratory’  is a monologue that takes place in an apothecary’s laboratory. It is told from the perspective of a vengeful wife who is planning on killing her husband’s lover. She watches the man mix the poison In the fifth stanza a close reader can find an example of a metonymy. Take a look at the lines:

Had I but all of them, thee and thy treasures, What a wild crowd of invisible pleasures! To carry pure death in an earring, a casket, A signet, a fan-mount, a filigree basket!

The angry wife speaks joyfully about the process. She’s thrilled by the contents of the room. In the third line, she describes the poison as “pure death”. This helps the reader understand the nature of the concoction and the woman’s very clear intentions.

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Green, William. "Metonymy". Poem Analysis , https://poemanalysis.com/figurative-language/metonymy/ . Accessed 29 June 2024.

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How to pronounce Metonymy?

When do writers use metonymy.

Writers like to use metonymy in their work because it is a way to elevate their text . By referring to something indirectly through word substitution, writers can create vivid imagery to go along with their words. Other reasons metonymy is popular among writers include:

• It allows them to express themselves more creatively
• Metonymy makes single words or phrases more powerfu l, and
• It allows writers to say what they want concisely .

Some Examples of Metonymy in Everyday Life

We use metonymy in everyday life, often without even realizing it. Like colloquialisms, metonymies are part of our collective speech. Even if we do not speak them personally, we will probably hear at least one spoken metonymy over the course of the day.

• The theater scenes in London and New York , respectively, are commonly referred to as “the West End ” and “ Broadway ” while New York , the city, is often called “the Big Apple. ”
• When people refer to “ Wall Street ,” it is almost never in reference to the actual street. Rather, the term is used to refer to the American financial sector as a whole.
• The Indian film industry , as well as the distinct style of clothing worn by industry insiders, is known as “ Bollywood ” after having been modeled after Hollywood.
• Americans refer to the Office of the President as the “ White House ” or the “ Oval Office .”

The list could literally go on-and-on, but we see the point.

What are the Subtypes of  Metonymy?

• Choose a word or phrase that is closely associated with the concept you want to convey.
• Make sure the word or phrase you choose is widely recognized and understood.
• Use the word or phrase in place of the concept you want to convey.
• Use the word or phrase consistently throughout your writing.
• Avoid using too many metonymies in one piece of writing, as it can become confusing.
• Be aware of any potential double meanings that may arise from using a metonymy.

What are the Subtypes of Metonymy

There are two subtypes of metonymy that are so useful they have earned their own entries elsewhere. Synecdoche and metalypsis . Since each is referred to separately, and rarely in conjunction with its parent device, both are frequently mistaken for the parental umbrella term metonymy. Their key differences are outlined below. Synecdoche – When the whole of something is referred to a single part . Example: my car = my “wheels.” Metalypsis – Created when two words , seemingly unrelated, with different meanings are placed next to each other to create a new word or phrase with an entirely new meaning. Example: virtual + reality = “virtual reality” Some also include polysemy as a subtype of metonymy, but it has been omitted to avoid unnecessary confusion as its explanation is vague and far too similar to other common literary devices.

Metonymy in Literature and Poetry 📚

We may not even notice how common it is to metonymy in everyday life or in literature until it has been pointed out to us. Below are some of the most well-known examples of metonymy in literature and poetry. One of the most famous examples of metonymy you will ever hear comes from Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar when Antony says, “ Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears !” In this example, because Antony wants the people to listen to him, he refers to man as a pair of ears. Robert Frost, “ Out, Out ” –

“Half in appeal, but half as if to keep

The life from spilling ”

In this couplet, Frost uses spilling to refer to blood since life cannot literally be spilled that which sustains life can be spilt in excess.

In “ Ode to a Nightingale ,” John Keats writes, “O, for a draught of vintage ” where vintage has replaced the word “wine.”

Metonymy in Song 🎧

While definitely present, metonymy in song lyrics is a little more difficult to identify. Having said that, it can be done. Sometimes with a little help. Check out the video below from the band, We are the Crowd and their song, “Manners.”

A line from the song: “Along with wolves like you, trust is counting sheep.” In this line, the vocalist uses “wolves” to refer to another human person.

Metonymy in Movies and TV 🎥

Hollywood (Notice what we did there?) uses metonymy all the time in film and TV. The examples listed here are a mere sampling.

• In West Wing , both the series title and the repeated references to the “ Oval Office ” refer to the Office of the President.
• In Top Gun , whenever the characters refer to the Pentagon , they are referring to the U.S.’s main military offices.

The there’s also a list of TV titles including but not limited to:

• House of Cards
• Golden Girls
• Rags to Riches

Sometimes Confused With, Yet Similar to Metonymy 👥

So as you may have realized by now, proper usage of metonymy may seem easy, but as with most literary tools, it’s a little more complex than it seems. The application of metonymy can be a little tricky as in this example from Elon Musk: I’m a Silicon Valley guy. I just think people from Silicon Valley can do anything. However, what everyone can agree on is that metonymy is very similar to metaphor . There is still a bit of contention as to whether synecdoche and metalepsis are subtypes of metonymy or each their own thing. Below, each have been explained in a little more detail.

• Metaphor – A figure of speech that compares two things in a way that cannot be literally true. While often confused for metonymy, a metaphor substitutes another word or thing for something else in order to compare the two things.
• Synecdoche – A specific type of metonymy created when the whole of something is referred to a single part . Example: my car = my “wheels.”
• Metalepsis – Another specific type of metonymy that is created when two words , seemingly unrelated, with different meanings are placed next to each other to create a new word or phrase with an entirely new meaning. Example: “lead” + “foot” = “lead foot”

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• Education Resources Information Center - The Cognitive Nature of Metonymy and Its Implications
• Oregon State University - College of Liberal Arts - What is Metonymy? || Oregon State Guide to Literary Terms
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• Academia - Metonymy and Metaphor as Mechanisms Motivating Polysemy

metonymy , (from Greek metōnymia , “change of name,” or “misnomer”), figure of speech in which the name of an object or concept is replaced with a word closely related to or suggested by the original, as “crown” to mean “king” (“The power of the crown was mortally weakened”) or an author for his works (“I’m studying Shakespeare”). A familiar Shakespearean example is Mark Antony’s speech in Julius Caesar in which he asks of his audience: “Lend me your ears.”

Metonymy is closely related to synecdoche , the naming of a part for the whole or a whole for the part, and is a common poetic device. Metonymy has the effect of creating concrete and vivid images in place of generalities, as in the substitution of a specific “grave” for the abstraction “death.” Metonymy is standard journalistic and headline practice as in the use of “city hall” to mean “municipal government” and of the “White House” to mean the “president of the United States.”

Metonymy Definition

Metonymy is a figure of speech that replaces the name of a thing with the name of something else with which it is closely associated. We can come across examples of metonymy both from literature and in everyday life.

Metonymy , Synecdoche , and Metaphor

Metonymy is often confused with another figure of speech called “ synecdoche .” These devices resemble one another, but are not the same. Synecdoche refers to a thing by the name of one of its parts. For example, calling a car “a wheel” is a synecdoche , as a part of a car – the “wheel” – stands for the whole car.

In a metonymy, on the other hand, the word we use to describe another thing is closely linked to that particular thing, but is not a part of it. For example, the word “crown” is used to refer to power or authority is a metonymy. It is not a part of the thing it represents.

Metonymy is also different from a metaphor , which draws resemblance between two different things. For instance, in the sentence, “You are sunlight and I moon,” ( Sun and Moon by Miss Saigon), sunlight and the moon, and humans are quite different things without any association. However, metaphor attempts to describe one thing in terms of another based on a supposed similarity.

Metonymy, however, develops a relation on the grounds of close association, as in “The White House is concerned about terrorism.” The White House here represents the people who work in it.

Examples of Metonymy in Everyday Life

For a better understanding, let us observe a few metonymy examples:

• “England decides to keep check on immigration.” ( England refers to the government.)
• “The pen is mightier than the sword.” ( Pen refers to written words, and sword to military force.)
• “The Oval Office was busy in work.” (The Oval Office is a metonymy, as it stands for people who work in the office.)
• “Let me give you a hand.” ( Hand means help.)

Examples of Metonymy in Literature

Example #1: julius caesar (by william shakespeare).

The given lines are from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar , Act I:

“Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears .”

Mark Anthony uses “ears” to say that he wants the people present to listen to him attentively. It is a metonymy because the word “ears” replaces the concept of paying attention.

Example #2: Gone with the Wind (By Margaret Mitchell)

This line is from Margaret Mitchell’s novel Gone with the Wind :

“I’m mighty glad Georgia waited till after Christmas before it secedes or it would have ruined the Christmas parties.”

Scarlett uses the word “Georgia” to point out everything that makes up the state: its citizens, politicians, and the government. It is a metonymy extremely common in the modern world, where the name of a country or state refers to a whole nation and its government. Thus, it renders brevity to the ideas.

Example #3: Out, Out (By Robert Frost)

These lines are taken from Out, Out , by Robert Frost:

“As he swung toward them holding up the hand Half in appeal, but half as if to keep The life from spilling “

In these lines, the expression “The life from spilling” refers to the spilling of blood. It develops a link between life and blood. The loss of too much blood means loss of life.

Example #4: Yet Do I Marvel (By Countee Cullen)

These lines are from Countee Cullen’s poem Yet Do I Marvel :

“The little buried mole continues blind, Why flesh that mirror Him must someday die…”

Here, Cullen uses “flesh” to represent humans, and questions God about why we have to die when we are created in His likeness.

Example #5: Lycidas (By John Milton)

These lines are from Lycidas , written by John Milton:

“But now my oat proceeds, And listens to the herald of the sea That came in Neptune’s plea, He asked the waves, and asked the felon winds, What hard mishap hath doomed this gentle swain?”

In the above-mentioned lines, John Milton uses “oat” for a musical instrument made out of an oat stalk. Thus, “oat” represents the song that the poet is composing next to the ocean.

Function of Metonymy

Generally, metonymy is used in developing literary symbolism , meaning it gives more profound meanings to otherwise common ideas and objects. Texts exhibit deeper or hidden meanings, thus drawing readers’ attention. In addition, the use of metonymy helps achieve conciseness. For instance, “Rifles were guarding the gate” is more concise than “The guards with rifles in their hands were guarding the gate.”

Furthermore, like other literary devices, metonymy is employed to add a poetic color to words to make them come to life. The simple ordinary things are described in a creative way to insert this “life” factor to literary works.

Metonymy Definition Metonymy is a discern of speech that replaces the call of a component with the name of some thing else with which it's far carefully associated. We can encounter examples of metonymy both from literature and in ordinary life. Metonymy, Synecdoche, and Metaphor Metonymy is regularly stressed with another figure of speech called “synecdoche.” These gadgets resemble one another, but aren't the same. Synecdoche refers to a component by way of the name of one in every of its parts. For example, calling a car “a wheel” is a synecdoche, as part of a car – the “wheel” – stands for the entire car. In a metonymy, on the opposite hand, the phrase we use to describe another element is carefully linked to that particular thing, however is not a part of it. For example, the phrase “crown” is used to refer to power or authority is a metonymy. It is not part of the component it represents. Metonymy is also distinct from a metaphor, which attracts resemblance among two different things. For instance, in the sentence, “You are daylight and I moon,” (Sun and Moon by means of Miss Saigon), sunlight and the moon, and people are pretty various things with none association. However, metaphor attempts to explain one thing in phrases of another primarily based on a meant similarity. Metonymy, however, develops a relation at the grounds of near association, as in “The White House is concerned about terrorism.” The White House right here represents the people who paintings in it. Examples of Metonymy in Everyday Life For a better understanding, permit us look at a few metonymy examples: “England decides to keep test on immigration.” (England refers to the government.) “The pen is mightier than the sword.” (Pen refers to written phrases, and sword to army force.) “The Oval Office was busy in paintings.” (The Oval Office is a metonymy, because it stands for folks that work within the office.) “Let me provide you with a hand.” (Hand approach help.) Examples of Metonymy in Literature Example #1: Julius Caesar (By William Shakespeare) The given lines are from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Act I: “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.” Mark Anthony uses “ears” to say that he needs the humans gift to concentrate to him attentively. It is a metonymy due to the fact the word “ears” replaces the idea of paying attention. Example #2: Gone with the Wind (By Margaret Mitchell) This line is from Margaret Mitchell’s novel Gone with the Wind: “I’m mighty satisfied Georgia waited till after Christmas before it secedes or it would have ruined the Christmas parties.” Scarlett makes use of the word “Georgia” to point out the whole lot that makes up the kingdom: its citizens, politicians, and the government. It is a metonymy extremely commonplace within the contemporary world, where the name of a country or kingdom refers to an entire country and its government. Thus, it renders brevity to the thoughts. Example #3: Out, Out (By Robert Frost) These lines are taken from Out, Out, by using Robert Frost: “As he swung toward them maintaining up the hand Half in appeal, but 1/2 as though to keep The lifestyles from spilling“ In these strains, the expression “The lifestyles from spilling” refers back to the spilling of blood. It develops a link among lifestyles and blood. The loss of an excessive amount of blood method loss of existence. Example #4: Yet Do I Marvel (By Countee Cullen) These traces are from Countee Cullen’s poem Yet Do I Marvel: “The little buried mole continues blind, Why flesh that reflect Him must in the future die…” Here, Cullen uses “flesh” to represent human beings, and questions God about why we have to die when we're created in His likeness. Example #5: Lycidas (By John Milton) These strains are from Lycidas, written by John Milton: “But now my oat proceeds, And listens to the herald of the sea That got here in Neptune’s plea, He requested the waves, and requested the felon winds, What difficult mishap hath doomed this mild swain?” In the above-mentioned traces, John Milton uses “oat” for a musical instrument comprised of an oat stalk. Thus, “oat” represents the music that the poet is composing next to the ocean. Function of Metonymy Generally, metonymy is used in developing literary symbolism, that means it offers extra profound meanings to otherwise commonplace ideas and objects. Texts showcase deeper or hidden meanings, as a result drawing readers’ attention. In addition, the usage of metonymy helps gain conciseness. For instance, “Rifles had been guarding the gate” is more concise than “The guards with rifles in their hands have been guarding the gate.” Furthermore, like different literary gadgets, metonymy is employed to feature a poetic coloration to words to cause them to come to lifestyles. The simple ordinary matters are described in a creative way to insert this “life” issue to literary works.

• Alliteration
• Anachronism
• Antimetabole
• Aposiopesis
• Characterization
• Colloquialism
• Connotation
• Deus Ex Machina
• Didacticism
• Doppelganger
• Double Entendre
• Flash Forward
• Foreshadowing
• Internal Rhyme
• Juxtaposition
• Non Sequitur
• Onomatopoeia
• Parallelism
• Pathetic Fallacy
• Personification
• Poetic Justice
• Point of View
• Portmanteau
• Protagonist
• Red Herring
• Superlative
• Synesthesia
• Tragicomedy
• Tragic Flaw
• Verisimilitude

Table of Contents

Introduction, what is metonymy, difference between metonymy and synecdoche, common examples of metonymy.

These metonymic expressions showcase the versatility of the figure of speech, allowing for concise and evocative communication by relying on associations and shared cultural understanding.

Examples of Metonymy in Literature

“Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.” From “Julius Caesar” (Act 3, Scene 2) by William Shakespeare

“I drink to the general joy o’ the whole table.” From “Macbeth” (Act 3, Scene 4, Line 89) by William Shakespear

“The city now doth, like a garment, wear the beauty of the morning.” From “Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey” by William Wordsworth

In this line, “the city” is used metonymically to represent the people, culture, and vitality associated with urban life.

Why Do We Use Metonymy?

Metonymy is a literary device that involves using a word or phrase to represent something else that is closely associated with it, often based on context or cultural significance. For example, using the phrase “the White House” to refer to the U.S. government or “the crown” to refer to the monarchy. Metonymy is often used in literature to create vivid and concise descriptions.

Examples of metonymy:

“The Oval Office was in turmoil.” This example from a news article uses the Oval Office as a metonymy for the U.S. presidency.

“He’s not the sharpest tool in the shed.” In this example, “the sharpest tool in the shed” is used as a metonymy for intelligence.

“Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.” In this famous line from William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, “ears” is used as a metonymy for attention or consideration.

“The suits on Wall Street are only concerned with profits.” In this example, “suits” is used as a metonymy for businessmen or investors.

“The classroom laughed” – this example from Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, uses “the classroom” as a metonymy for the students in the classroom.

3 thoughts on “Metonymy”

I love this website!

Would calling something by it’s brand like “Kleenex” instead of “tissue” count as a Metonymy?

The pentagon will be arriving soon……. PENTAGON refers to staffs

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What is Metonymy? || Oregon State Guide to Literary Terms

"what is metonymy" a guide for english students and teachers.

 View the full series: The Oregon State Guide to English Literary Terms

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What is Metonymy? Transcript (English and Spanish Subtitles Available in Video. Click HERE for Spanish Transcript)

By Peter Betjemann , Oregon State Former Chair of English and Current Executive Director of Arts and Education

30 July 2019

To understand metonymy, it’s important to watch Professor Tim Jensen’s video on metaphor first. Metaphor and metonymy are both types of figurative language , in which the speaker or writer wants us to understand one thing by associating it without something else. But those associations work differently for metaphor and metonymy as well as for a third variation, synecdoche , on which you can also find an Oregon State video. Metaphor is the easiest to understand and the most common, so if you haven’t watched the metaphor video, go do that now.

Having watched the video, I’m sure you’ll agree with me that that Jensen’s explanation is the bomb. You should recognize that as a metaphor – I don’t mean that his video is going to literally explode, but I do mean that the qualities associated with a bomb (it’s dramatic, it’s powerful, it’s in-your-face) represent the edgy way Jensen teaches you the concept.

metonymy_explosion.jpg

In metaphor, the things you are comparing have qualities in common, like a bomb and Professor Jensen’s teaching style.

In metonymy, however, the things you are comparing are actually not similar in terms of their qualities. Instead, you’re replacing the thing you want to characterize with something associated with it but not physically or emotionally like it. Here’s an example: let’s agree that we are looking forward to the day when Hollywood discovers Professor Jensen to make TV infomercials. Obviously, the physical neighborhood of Hollywood, Los Angeles, is not discovering anybody. When I say Hollywood, I really mean people in the film and TV industries. You understand that I’m actually talking about people even though I said the name of a place because you are super-familiar with this common metonym, the one that replaces filmmakers with Hollywood.

metonymy_hollywood.jpg

Here’s another example: after watching the metaphor video, we could say that we should give Professor Jensen a hand. Do I mean that literally, that we should amputate ourselves at the wrist and give him our severed hand? No. You automatically, without thinking about it, make a metonymic substitution, understanding “hand” to mean “applause.” Like filmmakers and Hollywood, hands and applause are associated with one another but aren’t like one another. That’s the difference between metonyms and metaphors.

There are dozens of classic examples in our everyday language. The white house made a statement today: the white house can’t talk, and the building isn’t like the President’s administration, but symbolizes it associationally. Other classics: Victoria was the crown of England.  Danish is my mother tongue. Don’t let the man get you down. In those examples, crown, tongue, and man are all metonyms. [video explicates that they link to “queen,” “language,” and “oppressive systems of authority”]

metonymy_perk_up_your_ears.jpg

In literature, when you notice a metonym, perk up your ears. (Ears, there, is a metonym for attention.) When a writer uses metonymy, something interpretively interesting is often happening. Emily Dickinson describes feeling drunk on the beautiful qualities of a summer day:

            Inebriate of air – am I –      

            And Debauchee of Dew –

            Reeling – thro’ endless summer days –

            From inns of molten blue ("I taste a liquor never brewed")

The word “inns” here is a metonym. We are supposed to understand “inns of molten blue” not as actual blue hotels but as the beautiful blue days she inhabits throughout the summer. Dickinson’s joyous wordplay correlates to her feeling creative, unrestrained, and free in her enjoyment of the world’s beauty. The metonym that replaces “days” with “inns” represents the poet’s delight in connection, imagination, and inventiveness.

Want to cite this?

MLA Citation: Betjemann, Peter. "What is Metonymy?" Oregon State Guide to English Literary Terms, 30 July 2019, Oregon State University, https://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/wlf/what-metonymy. Accessed [insert date].

Further Resources for Teachers

Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story "Young Goodman Brown" and Langston Hughes's poem "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" offer some great opportunities for students to practice identifying and interpreting metonyms.  

Writing Prompt:

1.) The setting of Hawthorne's story is Salem, Massachusetts. What ideas or associations does this location have and how might this metonym operate to convey meaning in this story?  Can you spot any other potential metonyms, and if so, how do they function?

2.) What are some metonymic associations for the rivers that Hughes names in his poem?  How do these metonymic associations function to convey meaning in the poem?

Interested in more video lessons? View the full series:

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Metonymy: The Art of Language Substitution

Metonymy is a rhetorical device that is commonly used in literature, poetry, and everyday speech. It is a figure of speech that involves the use of a word or phrase to represent something else that is closely related to it. For example, using “the White House” to refer to the President of the United States or “the Crown” to refer to the monarchy.

Metonymy is often used to add depth and meaning to a text or conversation. It allows the writer or speaker to convey complex ideas in a concise and effective manner. By using a word or phrase that is closely associated with the intended meaning, the writer or speaker can create a powerful image or metaphor that resonates with the audience.

In this article, we will explore the concept of metonymy in more detail. We will examine its definition, explore its use in literature and poetry, and provide examples of how it is used in everyday speech. Whether you are a writer, student, or simply someone who enjoys language, this article will provide you with a deeper understanding of this fascinating rhetorical device.

Definition of Metonymy

Metonymy is a literary device that is used to represent a word or phrase that is closely related to the original word or phrase. It is a figure of speech that is used to replace the name of an object with something that is closely related to it. This device is used to create a more interesting and engaging piece of writing by allowing the reader to make connections between different concepts.

In essence, metonymy is a way of using a word or phrase to represent something else that is closely related to it. For example, when we use the word “crown” to represent a monarch or a king, we are using metonymy. Similarly, when we use the phrase “the White House” to represent the US government, we are using metonymy.

Metonymy is often used in literature, poetry, and other forms of creative writing to add depth and meaning to a piece of text. It is a powerful tool that can be used to convey complex ideas and emotions in a simple and concise manner.

Historical Background of Metonymy

Metonymy is a rhetorical device that has been used for centuries in literature, poetry, and everyday speech. The term “metonymy” comes from the Greek words “meta,” which means “change,” and “onyma,” which means “name.” Essentially, metonymy is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is substituted for another word or phrase that is closely associated with it.

The use of metonymy dates back to ancient Greece, where it was used extensively by poets and orators. The Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote extensively about metonymy and other rhetorical devices in his work “Rhetoric.” He believed that metonymy was a powerful tool for creating vivid imagery and making a point in a compelling way.

Throughout history, metonymy has been used by many famous writers and poets. For example, in Shakespeare’s play “Julius Caesar,” the phrase “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears” is a metonymy. The word “ears” is used to represent the audience’s attention and willingness to listen.

Metonymy has also been used in political speeches and propaganda. During World War II, the phrase “Rosie the Riveter” was used as a metonymy to represent the millions of women who worked in factories and other industries to support the war effort.

Today, metonymy is still a popular rhetorical device used in literature, advertising, and everyday speech. It is often used to create memorable catchphrases and slogans, such as “The White House” to refer to the U.S. government or “ Madison Avenue ” to refer to the advertising industry.

Types of Metonymy

Metonymy is a type of figurative language that is commonly used in literature, poetry, and everyday speech. It is a rhetorical device that replaces the name of one thing with the name of something else that is closely related to it. There are three main types of metonymy: synecdoche, part for whole, and cause for effect.

Synecdoche is a type of metonymy that uses a part of something to represent the whole, or the whole to represent a part. For example, using the word “wheels” to refer to a car, or “bread” to refer to food. Synecdoche is often used in everyday language, and it can be used to create a sense of familiarity or intimacy between the speaker and the listener.

Part for Whole

Part for whole is a type of metonymy that uses a specific part of something to represent the whole. For example, using the word “sails” to refer to a ship, or “glasses” to refer to a person who wears glasses. This type of metonymy is often used in literature and poetry, and it can be used to create a sense of symbolism or metaphor.

Cause for Effect

Cause for effect is a type of metonymy that uses the cause of something to represent the effect. For example, using the word “cancer” to refer to the smoking that caused it, or “the bottle” to refer to alcoholism. This type of metonymy is often used in literature and poetry, and it can be used to create a sense of irony or tragedy.

Metonymy in Literature

Metonymy is a figure of speech that is commonly used in literature to convey complex ideas in a concise and effective manner. In this section, we will explore how metonymy has been used in literature, with a focus on Shakespearean works and modern examples.

Shakespearean Use

Shakespeare was a master of language and used metonymy extensively in his works. In “Julius Caesar,” for example, he uses the phrase “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears,” in which “ears” is a metonym for attention. Another example can be found in “Hamlet,” where the phrase “the crown” is used to represent the power and authority of the king.

Shakespeare also used metonymy to create powerful imagery. In “Macbeth,” the phrase “blood will have blood” is used to represent the cycle of violence and revenge that consumes the characters. In “Romeo and Juliet,” the phrase “star-crossed lovers” is used to represent the idea that the fate of the lovers is determined by the stars and beyond their control.

Modern Examples

Metonymy continues to be a popular literary device in modern literature. In J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series, the phrase “the wand chooses the wizard” is used to represent the idea that a wizard’s wand is a reflection of their personality and abilities. In Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea,” the phrase “the sea” is used to represent the vast and unpredictable nature of life.

In poetry, metonymy is often used to create vivid and powerful imagery. In T.S. Eliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” the phrase “the yellow fog” is used to represent the city and the sense of isolation and alienation that the protagonist feels. In Sylvia Plath’s “Mirror,” the phrase “the eye of a little god” is used to represent the mirror and its ability to reflect the truth about the protagonist’s appearance and aging.

Metonymy in Everyday Language

Metonymy is a common figure of speech used in everyday language. It is often used to refer to a whole object or concept by using a word or phrase that is closely associated with it. Here are some examples of metonymy in everyday language:

• “The White House announced a new policy” – In this sentence, “The White House” is used as a metonym for the President of the United States or the administration as a whole.
• “The pen is mightier than the sword” – In this sentence, “the pen” is used as a metonym for writing or communication, while “the sword” represents violence or war.
• “The Crown” – This term is often used to refer to the monarchy or the British government.
• “Hollywood” – This term is often used to refer to the American film industry.

Metonymy is also commonly used in advertising, where a brand or product is associated with a particular attribute or characteristic. For example, the brand name “Kleenex” is often used as a metonym for facial tissues, while “Coke” is used to refer to any type of cola drink.

In addition to its use in language and advertising, metonymy is also used in literature and poetry to create vivid imagery and convey complex ideas in a succinct and memorable way. Some famous examples of metonymy in literature include:

• “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears” – In this line from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, “ears” is used as a metonym for attention or consideration.
• “The pen of the writer is mightier than the sword of the warrior” – This famous quote by Edward Bulwer-Lytton uses the same metonymy as the earlier example, but adds a layer of complexity by comparing the power of writing to that of warfare.

Metonymy vs. Metaphor

In the study of language, two important figures of speech are metaphor and metonymy. While they are similar in function, they differ in concept.

Metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. For example, “Life is a journey.” In this metaphor, life is compared to a journey, implying that life has its ups and downs and requires effort to reach the destination.

On the other hand, metonymy is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is substituted for another word that it is closely associated with. For example, “The White House issued a statement.” In this sentence, “The White House” is used as a metonym for the President of the United States and his administration.

While both metaphor and metonymy are used to create vivid and imaginative expressions, they differ in the way they create meaning. Metaphor creates meaning through analogy, while metonymy creates meaning through association.

Metaphor is often used in literature, poetry, and other forms of creative writing, while metonymy is commonly used in everyday language. Metonymy is also used in journalism and politics to refer to people or groups by using a related object or place.

Critiques of Metonymy

While metonymy is a widely used literary device, it has also faced some criticism. Here are some critiques of metonymy:

Oversimplification

One critique of metonymy is that it can oversimplify complex ideas or concepts. By using a single word or phrase to represent a larger idea, the full complexity of that idea may be lost. This can lead to a lack of nuance in writing and a failure to fully explore the intricacies of a topic.

Another critique of metonymy is that it can create ambiguity in writing. Because the relationship between the two things being compared is not always clear, readers may be left confused or unsure of the intended meaning. This can be especially problematic in academic or technical writing, where clarity and precision are essential.

Finally, some critics argue that metonymy is overused and can become cliché. When writers rely too heavily on metonymy, it can become predictable and lose its impact. This can lead to a lack of originality in writing and a failure to engage readers.

While these critiques are valid, it’s important to note that metonymy can still be a powerful tool when used effectively. By understanding the potential pitfalls of metonymy, writers can use it in a way that enhances their writing and engages their readers.

In conclusion, metonymy is a powerful literary device that plays a significant role in our daily communication. It is a figure of speech that uses a closely related concept to represent another concept. Metonymy is used extensively in literature, poetry, and even in our everyday conversations.

Through this article, we have explored the definition of metonymy and its various types. We have also examined some examples of metonymy in literature and real-life situations. It is clear that metonymy can add depth and meaning to our language, allowing us to express complex ideas in a concise and elegant manner.

Moreover, we have seen how metonymy can be used as a tool for persuasion and rhetoric. By using metonymy, writers and speakers can evoke emotions and create powerful associations in the minds of their audience.

Overall, metonymy is a fascinating and versatile literary device that has been used for centuries. It is an essential tool for any writer or speaker who wants to convey complex ideas in a concise and effective manner. By mastering the art of metonymy, we can elevate our language and create more impactful messages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common examples of metonymy in literature and everyday language?

Metonymy is a common literary device that can be found in both literature and everyday language. Some common examples of metonymy in literature include referring to the crown to mean the monarchy, using the White House to refer to the US government, or using the pen to refer to writing. In everyday language, some examples of metonymy include using “the press” to refer to journalists or “the bottle” to refer to alcohol.

How is metonymy different from metaphor and synecdoche?

Metonymy, metaphor, and synecdoche are all figures of speech that involve substituting one term for another. However, metonymy differs from metaphor in that it uses a term that is closely associated with the thing being referred to, rather than using a term that is completely unrelated. Synecdoche, on the other hand, involves using a part of something to refer to the whole or vice versa.

Can metonymy be used for humor or satire?

Yes, metonymy can be used for humor or satire. By using a term that is closely associated with the thing being referred to, metonymy can create a humorous or satirical effect by highlighting a particular aspect of the thing being referred to. For example, using “the suits” to refer to corporate executives can be a humorous way to criticize the corporate world.

What is the effect of using metonymy in writing?

Using metonymy in writing can create a variety of effects, depending on the context and the specific terms being used. In general, metonymy can help to create a sense of familiarity and intimacy between the writer and the reader, as well as highlighting particular aspects of the thing being referred to. It can also be used to create a sense of irony or satire, as mentioned above.

How has the use of metonymy evolved throughout history?

The use of metonymy in literature and language has evolved over time, with different cultures and time periods using it in different ways. In general, however, metonymy has always been a popular literary device due to its ability to create a sense of familiarity and intimacy with the reader.

What are some cultural or regional variations in the use of metonymy?

There are many cultural and regional variations in the use of metonymy, with different cultures and regions using different terms to refer to the same thing. For example, in the US, “the Hill” is often used to refer to Capitol Hill, while in the UK, “Whitehall” is used to refer to the British government. Similarly, different regions may use different terms to refer to the same thing based on local customs or traditions.

Last Updated on August 14, 2023

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Metonymy is a literary device in English where a word or phrase is substituted with another that is closely associated with it. This technique helps create vivid imagery and can make language more engaging. For example, using “the crown” to refer to a king or queen, or “the White House” to signify the President of the United States, are both instances of metonymy. This device is commonly used in literature and everyday language to add depth and meaning, making communication more effective and expressive.

What is Metonymy?

Examples of metonymy.

• The White House issued a statement.
• Hollywood is releasing many new movies this year.
• Wall Street is in turmoil.
• The pen is mightier than the sword .
• The crown will find an heir.
• He has a good head on his shoulders.
• Silicon Valley is known for tech innovations.
• The Pentagon announced new policies.
• The bottle took his life.
• The press is relentless.
• Brass prefers the traditional methods.
• She’s got a lot of heart .
• The suits in the boardroom made the decision.
• The stage was lively with performances.
• The bench will make the final ruling.
• His hand in the matter was evident.
• The lab made a breakthrough.
• The Oval Office is the power center.
• The kitchen is busy during dinner time.
• The wheel decided the outcome.

Examples of Metonymy in Everyday Life

• Hollywood is releasing new blockbusters.
• Wall Street was in a panic today.
• The press is very active.
• He took to the podium .
• Silicon Valley has many startups.
• The crown will decide.
• The bench will rule soon.
• The pen outlasts the sword .
• Main Street is thriving.

Examples of Metonymy in Movies

• The Oscars celebrated the best in film.
• The silver screen has many classics.
• The box office was booming.
• Tinseltown is full of stars.
• He won at the Golden Globes .
• The director’s chair is powerful.
• The red carpet was glamorous.
• The big screen offers a different experience.
• The studio approved the script.
• The script was a masterpiece.

Examples of Metonymy in the Bible

• The rod and staff comfort me (Psalm 23:4).
• The cup of wrath (Jeremiah 25:15).
• Jerusalem will be rebuilt (Isaiah 44:26).
• The altar speaks (Revelation 16:7).
• The scepter shall not depart from Judah (Genesis 49:10).
• The lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5).
• The seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:16).
• The throne of David (Acts 2:30).
• The cross represents sacrifice.
• The vineyard of the Lord (Isaiah 5:7).

Examples of Metonymy in Literature

• The crown must find an heir (Shakespeare).
• The pen represents authorship (Marlowe).
• The fleet sailed at dawn (Homer).
• The throne was challenged (Tolkien).
• The sword signifies conflict (Chaucer).
• The bench made a judgment (Dickens).
• The hearth symbolizes home (Bronte).
• The kettle is boiling (Joyce).
• The White House responds (Orwell).
• The bottle represents alcohol (Hemingway).

Examples of Metonymy in Poetry

• The suits in the boardroom (Eliot).
• The crown will fall (Yeats).
• The pen weaves stories (Frost).
• The press spreads news (Pound).
• The sail signifies adventure (Coleridge).
• The bench stands firm (Wordsworth).
• The heart beats love (Browning).
• The cup of joy (Blake).
• The stage awaits (Shakespeare).
• The sword of justice (Milton).

Examples of Metonymy in Songs

• The bottle took his life (Eric Clapton).
• The strings played a sad tune (Bob Dylan).
• The mic is hot tonight (Queen).
• The keys to the kingdom (Coldplay).
• The stage is calling (Adele).
• The silver screen lights up (Elton John).
• The ink dried on the page (Taylor Swift).
• The brass section blared (Miles Davis).
• The drums beat loudly (U2).
• The spotlight shines (Madonna).

Examples of Metonymy in Sentences

• The White House confirmed the news.
• Hollywood is buzzing with rumors.
• Wall Street saw a surge.
• The press reported the event.
• Main Street was busy today.
• The crown will announce it.
• The bench handed down the decision.
• He lives by the pen .
• The bottle was his downfall.
• Silicon Valley innovates constantly.

1. Metonymy and Metaphor in Grammar

2. Motivation of Metonymy Template

Functions of Metonymy

• Creates Vivid Imagery : Metonymy uses specific and relatable terms to paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind, making descriptions more dynamic and engaging.
• Adds Depth and Meaning : It connects concepts and objects closely related, adding layers of meaning and depth to the text.
• Enhances Readability : Using familiar terms or phrases instead of more complex or abstract concepts makes the text easier to understand.
• Evokes Emotions : Metonymy can evoke emotions by using a term that carries emotional weight, thereby creating a stronger connection with the reader.
• Promotes Brevity : It allows writers to convey complex ideas succinctly by substituting a single word or phrase for a longer explanation.
• Establishes Context : Metonymy helps to establish the setting or context quickly by referencing a well-known element associated with the broader idea.
• Creates Symbolism : It imbues objects or terms with symbolic meaning, enhancing the thematic elements of the text.
• Facilitates Rhetorical Effect : Metonymy adds a persuasive element to writing, making arguments more compelling by linking ideas to powerful symbols.
• Encourages Reader Engagement : By using familiar references, metonymy engages readers and encourages them to make connections, increasing their involvement with the text.
• Enriches Language : It enriches the language by introducing variety and creativity, making the text more interesting and enjoyable to read.

Why do Writers Use Metonymy

Metonymy is a figure of speech where one term is substituted for another closely related concept. Writers use metonymy for several key reasons:

Enhancing Imagery and Symbolism

• Creates vivid imagery by using related concepts (e.g., “the crown” for royalty).

Creating a Sense of Connection

• Establishes relationships between different elements, making themes more cohesive.

Economy of Language

• Conveys meaning efficiently with fewer words (e.g., “the White House” for the U.S. President and administration).

Emotional Impact

• Evokes strong emotions by using familiar and relatable terms (e.g., “Hollywood” for the film industry).

Adding Depth and Layers of Meaning

• Enriches text with multiple connotations, encouraging deeper interpretation.

Enhancing Rhetorical and Poetic Effects

• Improves aesthetic quality, creating rhythm and memorable language.

Facilitating Understanding and Relatability

• Makes complex ideas more accessible and relatable through familiar terms.

How to Use Metonymy in a Sentence

A properly-used metonymy can easily relay the intended meaning to the viewers of the written work. If the person misuses a metonymy or does not establish a connection between the referred work, it can confuse and miscommunicate the wrong message to the reader.

Create an Outline of the Sentence

Start by creating an outline using an outline format or a reference for the sentence structure. This will help you plan out and properly pace the whole sentence you will create with the metonymy.

Choose a Word to Become a Metonymy

Select a word in the sentence structure you want to replace with a metonymy. You may have more than one word in the sentence become a metonymy, but just keep it within one to three references.

Research for Words that are Related to the Chosen Word

The substitute for the word should be something that has a similar context, theme, and tone to the chosen word. You may use various references to obtain a list of synonyms the chosen word has.

Create the Metonymy

After you have chosen a word that will represent or symbolize the chosen word, you will now create the metonymy. If you want to create more metonymies you may repeat steps 1 through 4 until you are satisfied.

What is an example of metonymy in a quote?

“ The pen is mightier than the sword ” uses metonymy by substituting “pen” for writing and “sword” for military force, emphasizing the power of words over violence.

What are metonymy and synecdoche give examples?

Metonymy substitutes a related term (e.g., “White House” for the U.S. President). Synecdoche uses a part to represent the whole (e.g., “wheels” for a car).

What is a visual example of metonymy?

A visual example of metonymy is using an image of the scales of justice to represent the legal system or fairness.

What is an example of metonymy in Harry Potter?

In Harry Potter , “The Ministry” refers to the entire wizarding government, using metonymy to represent the larger institution by a single department.

What is an example of metonymy in The Great Gatsby?

In The Great Gatsby , “West Egg” and “East Egg” are used metonymically to represent the new and old money societies.

What is metonymy in Shakespeare?

In Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar , “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears,” uses “ears” as metonymy to represent listening or attention.

What is an example of metonymy in a famous poem?

In T.S. Eliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” “I have measured out my life with coffee spoons ” uses metonymy, with “coffee spoons” representing the mundane, repetitive aspects of life.

What is an example of metonymy with pen?

“The pen conquered nations” uses metonymy, with “pen” representing writing or intellectual power rather than physical conquest.

What is a metonymy in Fahrenheit 451?

In Fahrenheit 451 , “The Hearth and the Salamander” uses “hearth” to represent the home and “salamander” for the firemen and their fire trucks.

Which is a common use of metonymy?

A common use of metonymy is using “the White House ” to refer to the U.S. President and their administration, representing the whole institution by its location.

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Definition of Metonymy

Metonymy is a figure of speech in which something is called by a new name that is related in meaning to the original thing or concept. For example, it’s common practice to refer to celebrity life and culture in the United States as “Hollywood,” as in “Hollywood is obsessed with this new diet.” The meaning of this statement is not that the place itself has any obsession, of course, but instead refers to the celebrities and wannabe celebrities who reside there.

Common Examples of Metonymy

As noted above, “Hollywood” can act as a metonym for celebrity culture. There are many other place names that act metonymically in the same way, such as “Wall Street” for the financial sector and “Washington” for the United States government. However, there are many more words in common usage that are metonyms. Here are more examples of metonymy:

• The big house—Refers to prison
• The pen—Can refer to prison or to the act of writing
• Stuffed shirts—People in positions of authority, especially in a business
• The crown—a royal person
• The Yankees/The Red Sox/The Cowboys, etc.—any team name is regularly used as a metonym for the players on the team. This is a less obvious metonym because often the team name is a group of people (the Cowboys, for instance), yet of course the football players who make up the Dallas Cowboys are not, in fact, cowboys.
• The New York Times/Morgan Stanley/Wells Fargo, etc.—any organization or company name is often used to stand in for the people who work there, such as “The New York Times stated that…” or “Wells Fargo has decided….”

Difference Between Metonymy and Synecdoche

Metonymy and are very similar figures of speech, and some consider synecdoche to be a specific type of metonymy. Synecdoche occurs when the name of a part is used to refer to the whole, such as in “There are hungry mouths to feed.” The mouths stand in for the hungry people. The definition of metonymy is more expansive, including concepts that are merely associated in meaning and not necessarily parts of the original thing or concept.

Significance of Metonymy in Literature

Scholars have long been interested in metonymy as a literary and rhetorical device. Ancient Greek and Latin scholars discussed the way in which metonymy changed words and meanings by providing new referents and connections between concepts. Authors have used metonymy for millennia for many different reasons. One primary reason is simply to address something in a more poetic and unique way. Authors can also add more complexity and meaning to ordinary words by using metonymy, thereby drawing the reader’s attention to what otherwise would not be noticed. Sometimes metonymy is also helpful to make statements more concise.

Examples of Metonymy in Literature

Their ocean-keel boarding, they drove through the deep, and Daneland left. A sea-cloth was set, a sail with ropes, firm to the mast; the flood-timbers moaned; nor did wind over billows that wave-swimmer blow across from her course.

( Beowulf— Tr. John Crowther)

In the Old English epic poem Beowulf there are many examples of metonymy. In this particular excerpt, the author uses the terms “ocean-keel” and “wave-swimmer” to refer to the entire ship. The author goes on to describe other parts of the ship very poetically, calling the sail the “sea-cloth” at first and referring to the boards of the ship “as flood-timbers.” This was a very popular technique in Old English works, and the use of metonymy here draws the reader’s attention to the different ways to understand the form and function of the ship and its parts. Thus metonymy creates new connections in this example.

MARCELLUS: Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.

( Hamlet by William Shakespeare)

Shakespeare used metonymy in many of his plays and poems. This line from Hamlet is often repeated. We are made to understand that “the state of Denmark” stands in for the whole royal system and government. The rottenness is not widespread over the entire country, but instead is limited to the dealings of those in power. In this case, the character Claudius has come to power in a suspicious way, and those surrounding him feel unease at the new order.

The party preserved a dignified homogeneity, and assumed to itself the function of representing the staid nobility of the countryside—East Egg condescending to West Egg, and carefully on guard against its spectroscopic gayety.

( The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald)

This metonymy example from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is similar to the Shakespeare example in that it uses a place name to stand in for the people in that place. The difference in social standing between the narrator Nick Carraway and Jay Gatsby’s friends is a central in the novel. Nick lives in West Egg, while Jay and his friends live in the much fancier East Egg. In fact, to the outside observer there is not much different between the two places, but the inhabitants of East Egg find it very important to establish the distinctions between them. In the above sentence, “East Egg” refers to the posh citizens of the place, while “West Egg” refers to the more middle-class citizens there.

He tried to remember in what year he had first heard mention of Big Brother. He thought it must have been at some time in the sixties, but it was impossible to be certain. In the Party histories, of course, Big Brother figured as the leader and guardian of the Revolution since its very earliest days. His exploits had been gradually pushed backwards in time until already they extended into the fabulous world of the forties and the thirties, when the capitalists in their strange cylindrical hats still rode through the streets of London in great gleaming motor-cars or horse carriages with glass sides. There was no knowing how much of this legend was true and how much invented. Winston could not even remember at what date the Party itself had come into existence.

( 1984 by George Orwell)

The “Party” in George Orwell’s novel 1984 stands in for the highest officials of this new government. By using the metonymy to refer to the individuals, Orwell further separates the governing class from any sense of humanity; no one in the society seems to know the name of any actual ruling member. Even “Big Brother,” who seems to start out as an individual, comes to represent the ubiquitous surveillance of the government and not an actual man. The term “Big Brother” has entered the English lexicon as a metonym for government that interferes too much in private life.