A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn’t literally true, but helps explain an idea or make a comparison.
Here are the basics:
· A metaphor states that one thing is another thing.
· It equates those two things not because they actually are the same, but for the sake of comparison or symbolism.
· If you take a metaphor literally, it will probably sound very strange.
(Are there actually any sheep, black or otherwise, in your family?)
· Metaphors are used in poetry, literature, and anytime someone wants to add some color to their language.
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What is a metaphor? Simply put, a metaphor is a figure of speech containing an implied comparison. With metaphors, words or phrases that are ordinarily applied to one thing are applied to something you wouldn't necessarily pair it with.
Here's a metaphor example: "The curtain of night fell upon us." In this metaphor, the evening did not develop into a velvet curtain. Rather, simple words are being used to paint a colorful picture. Now, we know it is night-time, but it's been written in a manner that alludes to how quickly night arrived with the kind of darkness that comes from closing a thick curtain.
Metaphors are members of the figurative language family, which also include elements like similes, and personification. Let's take a closer look at this prominent branch of the figurative language family tree.