Meaning & Definition of Metaphorical in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Relating to or characterized by metaphor; symbolic.

  Example Sentence: The author's metaphorical language painted vivid images in the reader's mind.

• Definition: Not literal; representing something else.

  Example Sentence: His metaphorical reference to a 'journey through life' added depth to his speech.

Etymology

Origin: Derived from the word 'metaphor', which comes from the Greek 'metaphora', meaning 'to transfer'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• metaphorical meaning: A meaning that is not literal but symbolic.
• metaphorical language: Language that conveys meanings beyond the literal meanings of words.

Translations

• Spanish: metafórico

• French: métaphorique

• German: metaphorisch

• Russian: метафорический

Related Words

• metaphor: A figure of speech in which a term is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable.

• figurative: Expressing one thing in terms normally denoting another with which it may be regarded as analogous.

Slang Meanings of metaphorical

• Meaning: Used to describe something in an exaggerated or non-literal sense.

  Example Sentence: When I said 'I'm drowning in work', I was being metaphorical.

• Meaning: Referring to a concept rather than a direct statement or fact.

  Example Sentence: His metaphorical way of speaking makes it hard to know what he really means.