noun

metaphor

MEH-tuh-fuh

noun

A figure of speech that describes something by calling it another thing, implying a comparison without using "like" or "as".

""Time is a thief" is a metaphor, not a literal statement."

"The poem is full of metaphor, comparing grief to a heavy stone."

How to Use Metaphor

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribing one thing as if it were another thing, to make a point vividly (without saying "like" or "as").

Common mistake

Don’t confuse with a simile, which uses "like" or "as" ("brave as a lion") — a metaphor states the comparison directly ("he is a lion").

Easily confused with

simile

Common pairings

a powerful metaphor mixed metaphor extended metaphor

metaphored past tense, metaphors plural, metaphors singular

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"Time is a thief" is a _____, not a literal statement.

From Ancient Greek metaphora, from metaphero ("to transfer, carry across"), from meta- + phero ("to carry").