Online archive of questions on various topics answered by our experts. You can also ask a question (registration is required)
+84 votes
Explain what a metaphor is
by (4.2k points)

11 Answers

+101 votes
 
Best answer
A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a phrase is used to signify something else in a vivid manner. Contrary to a simile, when you use a metaphor, you speak as though the thing was identical to that which you compare it to.. For example: The princess was the jewel of the kingdom. (She is not actually a stone - she is being referred to as a jewel to show is beautiful and precious.. Or a cliché one: The lion is the king of animals (A lion is not really king of anything - it just means a lion is strong and appears majestic.)
by (4.3k points)
selected by
0 votes
A Figure of Speech used to compare seemingly unlike things without using 'as' or 'like'.
by (4.3k points)
0 votes
its a comparison of two things without using the words like or as. if you do use the words like or as, its called a simile. example... um.. he was a pig. simile would be something like this... he was eating like a hungry hog.
by (4.5k points)
0 votes
In language, a metaphor is defined as a direct comparison between two or more seemingly unrelated subjects.. . A metaphor describes a first subject as being or equal to a second subject in some way.. . Metaphor and simile are both terms that describe a comparison: the only difference between a metaphor and a simile is that a simile makes the comparison explicit by using "like" or "as." . . A simile states that A is like B, a metaphor states that A is B or substitutes B for A.. . . So all those answers above with Like or As answers are referring to Simile!. . A Metaphor:. . A car is an automobile.. An Automobile is a car.
by (4.4k points)
0 votes
a metaphor is to compare something without using like or as
by (4.4k points)
0 votes
A metaphor is not just a simple comparison, that would actually be a simile.. . With a metaphor you use something other than the subject to describe the subject. For instance, the butterfly wings were leaves falling from a tree. This is an example of how a metaphor is used in poetry and maybe prose as well. . . Another example is a symbol. Most symbolisms will be metaphors. For example, "heavy is the head that wears the crown." This is, of course, the famous metaphor for the responsibilities and difficulties that come with being someone in a high position (king especially, or a president) making decisions that will affect many. In turn, it is also a symbolism of someone in this position not being able to sleep due to the decisions he has to make or have made.. . I hope this makes sense to you. Similes use the word 'like' and metaphors use the word 'as'. . . A color dark as the night.. . It rained like cats and dogs.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
by (4.5k points)
0 votes
'The mind is an ocean' and 'the city is a jungle' are both metaphors. Simple the comparison!
by (4.2k points)
0 votes
A comparison of two things like:. . Your mom. . to. . A whale
by (4.2k points)
0 votes
While a simile is a comparison using "like" or "as", a metaphor is a comparison that doesn't use like or as. Example:He was a balloon. He isn't really a balloon, but it could mean he's overweight.
by (4.6k points)
0 votes
comparing two things without using like or as. . EX: her hair is a cascading waterfall. she is a graceful swan
by (4.2k points)
...