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Metaphor

Techniques > Use of language > Metaphor

Metaphor is one of the most complex and powerful tools of language and hence gets a section all to itself.

• Metaphor basics: Understanding metaphor.
  • Metaphor definition: The basics of what metaphors are.
  • Parts of a metaphor: The individual elements of metaphors.
  • How metaphors work: How metaphors work in practice.
• Physical metaphors: Taken from the 'real world'.
  • Metaphors and things: Making concepts concrete.
  • Metaphors and space: The power of three dimensions.
  • Metaphors and time: Casting time into space.
  • Metaphors and energy: Different forms of energy, different metaphors.
• Sensory metaphors: That directly address our five senses.
  • Metaphors and touch: Addressing what we feel.
  • Metaphors and sight: Addressing what we see.
  • Metaphors and sound: Addressing what we hear.
  • Metaphors, taste and smell: Addressing the gustatory senses.
• Types of metaphor: Ways of classifying metaphors.
  • Absolute metaphor: Separated subject and vehicle.
  • Active metaphor: New and not established.
  • Complex metaphor: Multi-layered.
  • Compound metaphor: With many parts.
  • Concrete metaphor: Using physical comparisons.
  • Dead metaphor: Normal language, no longer recognized as metaphor.
  • Dormant metaphor: Weak connection between vehicle and subject.
  • Dying metaphor: Unfashionable cliché.
  • Extended metaphor: One subject, many sub-elements.
  • Implicit metaphor: Incomplete description.
  • Mixed metaphor: Mismatched combination of metaphors.
  • Pataphor: Extreme form of metaphor.
  • Root metaphor: Unrealized basic driver.
  • Simple metaphor: Single meaning and linkage.
  • Submerged metaphor: Use a part as a metaphor for something else.
  • Synechdochic metaphor: Use a part as metaphor for the whole.
• Speech parts and metaphor: Metaphor in grammar.
  • Adjective metaphors: Enhancing noun metaphors.
  • Adverb metaphors: Enhancing verbs.
  • Noun metaphors: Standard A is B metaphor.
  • Prepositions and metaphor: Using prepositions to extend metaphor.
  • Verb metaphors: Metaphors of action.
• Using metaphor
  • Creativity and metaphor: Making the strange familiar and the familiar strange.
  • Everyday use of metaphor: Embedded in the language and culture.
  • Metaphor and politeness: Using euphemisms to avoid embarrassment.
  • Poetry and metaphor: Stimulating with word painting.
  • Therapeutic use of metaphor: Helping people explore and heal the inner world.

See also

Meaning, Three Levels of Interpretation, Simplicity Principle

Gordon, D. (1978). Therapeutic Metaphors, Capitola, CA: Meta Publications

Lakoff, G. and Johnson, M. (1980). Metaphors we live by, Chicago: University of Chicago Press

Sommer, E. and Weiss, D. (1995). Metaphors Dictionary, International Thomson Publishing Company
Stight, T.G. (1979). Metaphor and Thought: Educational uses of Metaphor. Cambridge University Press

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