Metonymic is a seven-letter word that is spelled as me-tuh-nim-ik. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is represented as /mɛtəˈnɪmɪk/. The word is derived from the Greek word "metōnymikos," which means "a change of name." It is an adjective that means the use of a word or phrase that refers to another word or phrase, closely associated with it, rather than by name. The correct spelling of this word is metonymic, and it is commonly used in literary and rhetorical works.
Metonymic is an adjective that describes a specific form of figurative language where a word or phrase is used to represent something closely related, instead of using the actual name of the entity being referred to. It stems from the word "metonymy," which is a figure of speech based on substitution, particularly the substitution of a name of an object with a word that is closely associated or linked to that object.
In metonymic usage, the chosen substitute word evokes or suggests the actual intended meaning and thus serves as a shorthand or concise way to refer to the concept or entity being discussed. This literary device relies on the association or connection between the chosen word or phrase and the intended meaning, making it a powerful tool for conveying ideas effectively.
The use of metonymic language can be observed in various contexts including literature, poetry, rhetoric, and everyday speech. For instance, when saying "the pen is mightier than the sword," the pen represents the written word or literacy while the sword signifies violence or force. Similarly, news headlines such as "The White House issued a statement" use the term "White House" as a metonymic reference to the executive branch of the United States government.
Overall, metonymic language provides a concise and often vivid way to communicate complex ideas or concepts by substituting a related word or phrase that is closely associated with the actual intended meaning.
Used by way of metonymy; putting one word for another.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "metonymic" is derived from the Greek word "metōnymía" (μετωνυμία), which is composed of two parts: "meta" (μετά) meaning "change" or "after", and "onyma" (ὄνυμα) meaning "name" or "word". Thus, "metōnymía" can be translated as "change of name" or "substitution of a word". This Greek term was later anglicized to "metonymy", and the adjective form "metonymic" emerged to describe something pertaining to or characteristic of metonymy.