Metonymy

Metonymy is a figure of speech in which a thing or concept is referred to by the name of something closely associated with that thing or concept. It relies on a relationship of contiguity, substitution, or association rather than similarity, as in the case of a metaphor. Essentially, metonymy uses a related term to represent the target idea, creating a concise and often evocative way of expressing oneself. This rhetorical device can add depth and nuance to writing and speaking, allowing for a more creative and engaging form of communication.

Metonymy meaning with examples

• The restaurant served a delicious *plate* of pasta, using "plate" to represent the food on the plate. This metonymy is common because the plate is directly associated with what is served. It highlights the meal by focusing on the container.
• When referring to the power of the monarchy, one might say, '*The crown* made a decree.' Here, "crown" represents the monarch and the institution they embody. The object represents the office and its powers.
• News reports often state, '*The White House* announced a new policy,' where "White House" stands in for the President and their administration. The building substitutes for the individuals and their actions.
• To describe a gathering of influential people, one might say, '*The suits* arrived at the conference.' Here, "suits" refers to business professionals, using their typical attire as a stand-in.
• If an author published a new book, a critic might write, 'I've been reading *Shakespeare* all week,' to mean reading works written by the author and that's using the author's name for the literary work.