Word
metaphorical
Phoneticsmetaphor·i·cal
US/ˌmɛtəˈfɔɹɪkəɫ/
UK/mˌɛtəfˈɒɹɪkəl/
Definition
adj. using words to describe something by comparing it to something else with similar qualities. You use this when you are not being literal, like saying someone has a 'heart of stone'.
adj. relating to or using a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. Often used to describe language that conveys meaning through symbolic comparison.
Examples
“The phrase 'time is money' is a metaphorical expression.”
“The author uses a metaphorical journey through a dark forest to represent the character's internal struggle with grief.”
“While the literal meaning of the text is straightforward, the metaphorical layers suggest a deeper critique of industrial society and its impact on the human spirit.”
Examples
simple
“The phrase 'time is money' is a metaphorical expression.”
contextual
“The author uses a metaphorical journey through a dark forest to represent the character's internal struggle with grief.”
complex
“While the literal meaning of the text is straightforward, the metaphorical layers suggest a deeper critique of industrial society and its impact on the human spirit.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'be' or 'become'.
Pitfall
The story is metaphoric of life.
The story is a metaphor for life.
Learners often use the adjective 'metaphorical' (or 'metaphoric') where the noun 'metaphor' is required to complete the 'is a [noun] for' pattern.
Real-World Examples
“Find its way to food through a literal or metaphorical maze.” “They said some attenders had turned up assuming it would be a metaphorical sauna, despite emails reminding visitors to bring a bathing suit.” Etymology
From metaphoric + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/metaphorical