词汇 | metaphor |
释义 | metaphorWord family adjectivemetaphoricadverbmetaphoricallynounmetaphoristmetaphor Literaturemet·a·phor /ˈmetəfə, -fɔː $ -fɔːr/ ●●○ noun [countableC, uncountableU] 1 ALa way of describing something by referring to it as something different and suggesting that it has similar qualities to that thing 隐喻,暗喻 → simile She uses some wonderful images and metaphors in her writing. 她在作品中用了一些绝妙的比喻和暗喻。 a very creative use of metaphor ► see thesaurus at language 隐喻的独到运用 2. mixed metaphor ALthe use of two different metaphors at the same time to describe something, especially in a way that seems silly or funny 混杂隐喻〔指同时运用两个不同的隐喻描写某物,尤指显得可笑或滑稽〕 Examples from the Corpus mixed metaphor• I have mixed metaphors for all occasions.• Instances are quoted of highly contrived antithesis, of mixed metaphor and elaborate circumlocution. 3 SIGN/SYMBOLsomething that represents a general idea or quality 象征 metaphor for Their relationship is a metaphor for the failure of communication in the modern world. 他们的关系象征现代社会中存在的沟通障碍。 n COLLOCATIONS – Meanings 1 & 2 verbs use a metaphor To use her own metaphor, she is a caged bird who wants to fly free. extend a metaphor (=to use other metaphors with a similar idea) The poem extends the metaphor of food still further. borrow a metaphor from something (=use a metaphor from another subject, book etc) adjectivesTo borrow an architectural metaphor, you cannot see the whole building if you focus on the individual bricks. a powerful metaphor (=one that works very well) His election campaign used the powerful metaphor of ‘building a bridge to the next century’. a vivid metaphor (=one that gives you a picture in your mind) The book is full of vivid metaphors and powerful images. an appropriate/apt metaphor (=a very suitable one) Building on sand is an apt metaphor for the challenge we face. a central metaphor (=one that a poem or book is based around) The poet as something carried by the ocean is a central metaphor in the book. a mixed metaphor (=the use of two different metaphors at the same time to describe something, especially in a way that seems silly or funny) In a mixed metaphor, she said ‘he stepped up to the plate and took the bull by the horns.’ a religious/military/biological etc metaphor He uses a military metaphor to describe these women as ‘storming’ the castle of male power. Examples from the Corpus metaphor• That is not a metaphor, it is the plain truth.• The rule of thumb for making good use of a metaphor is to compare what is said with what is meant.• There are more ways than one in which a metaphor can mislead.• There are only so many metaphors any choreographer can come up with for anomie.• She was a caged bird, to use her own metaphor, that had to break free.• We use this metaphor to characterize local authorities' responses to care programming.• Through metaphor and symbolism, Thoreau discusses the importance of nature.• Think of the torturous metaphors and similes that the readers would be spared.• Various metaphors have illustrated this fact of spiritual life. (1400-1500) French métaphore, from Latin, from Greek metaphora, from meta- ( → META-) + pherein “to carry” |
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