Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

metaphor

/ˈmɛt.ə.foɹ/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.73 in modern English

Syllables
me-ta-phor
IPA
/ˈmɛt.ə.foɹ/
15
Scrabble Score
8
Letters
3
Syllables
8
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

The use of a word, phrase, concept, or set of concepts to refer to something other than its literal meaning, invoking an implicit similarity between the thing described and what is denoted by the word, etc., that is used.

Uncountable

noun

A word or phrase used in such implied comparison.

Countable

noun

The use of an everyday object or concept to represent an underlying facet of the computer and thus aid users in performing tasks.

Countable

verb

To use a metaphor.

Intransitive verb

verb

To describe by means of a metaphor.

Transitive verb

Example Sentences

Etymology

From Middle French métaphore, from Latin metaphora, from Ancient Greek μεταφορά (metaphorá), from μεταφέρω (metaphérō, “to transfer, apply”), from μετά (metá, “with, across, after”) + φέρω (phérō, “to bear, carry”).

Origin

Word Breakdown

  • Root: *bʰer-, métaphore, metaphora, μεταφορά

Regional Pronunciation

  • American English: /ˈmɛt.ə.foɹ/
  • British English: /ˈmɛt.ə.fə/

Usage

Inflected Forms

Derived Forms

Phrases

conceptual metaphor dead metaphor extended metaphor metaphorical extension mixed metaphor stale metaphor

Frequently Paired Words

Rhymes With

Questions

How do you pronounce metaphor?
The recorded pronunciation is /ˈmɛt.ə.foɹ/.
What does metaphor mean?
The use of a word, phrase, concept, or set of concepts to refer to something other than its literal meaning, invoking an implicit similarity between the thing described and what is denoted by the word, etc., that is used.
Where does metaphor come from?
It is traced to Middle French.

How to pronounce metaphor

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “metaphor”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈmɛt.ə.foɹ/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “metaphor”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “metaphor” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.