Metonymously Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/mɛtənəməli/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adverb

Definition

A descriptive term used to reference something indirectly, often using a word or phrase that is closely associated with the concept or object being described.

Examples

• She wore the White House style, not just the dress.
• He wrote Shakespearean sonnets, not just words.

Synonyms

• Figuratively
• Rhetorically

Antonyms

• Literally
• Plainly

Additional Information

Metonymously refers to a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is used to describe an object, concept, or idea indirectly, often by replacing it with a word or phrase closely related to it. This figure of speech is commonly used in literature, poetry, and everyday language to add variety, depth, and nuance to communication. Metonymously is often used to clarify ambiguities, make complex ideas more relatable, and create vivid imagery.

Metonymously can be used in both formal and informal contexts, and its uses can vary depending on the topic, audience, and tone. Effective use of metonymy requires a good understanding of language, culture, and context.

Etymology

The word “metonymously” is derived from the Greek words “meta” (meaning “change” or “transposition”) and “onuma” (meaning “name” or “definition”), with roots in ancient Greek rhetoric.

Usage Notes

Metonymously is often used in poetic and literary contexts to add complexity and depth to language. It can also be used in everyday language to create vivid imagery and clarify complex ideas.

Cultural References

• A classic example of metonymy can be found in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, where Juliet refers to the moon as “the bright Juliet.”
• Metonymy is also used in literature to describe abstract concepts, such as in Walt Whitman’s poem “Song of Myself,” where he says, “The United States it itself a poem.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Metaphorically speak
• I’ll take it from the horse’s mouth

Related Words or Phrases

• Metaphor
• Synecdoche
• Simile

Collocations

• Speak metonymously
• Write figuratively

Frequency of Use

Metonymously is a relatively rare term, but it is used in various contexts, including literature, poetry, and everyday language.

Common Misspellings

• Metnoymous
• Metonymys