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Generations of writers have used synecdoche in both poetry and prose. Synecdoche is a device used in many idioms, colloquial expressions, and slang terms. One common form of synecdoche uses a body part (hand, heart, head, eyes, etc.) to stand in for an entire person.
- Definition of Synecdoche. Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a part of something is used to signify the whole, or vice-versa. In fact, it’s derived from the Greek word synekdoche: “simultaneous meaning.”
- Common Examples of Synecdoche. Here are some examples of synecdoche that may be found in everyday expression: The White House (signifies the U.S. president or executive branch)
- Examples of Synecdoche as Character Names. Fictional characters often feature synecdoche in their names to indicate an aspect or part of them that signifies their nature as a whole.
- Famous Examples of Synecdoche. Think you haven’t heard of any famous synecdoche? Here are some well-known and recognizable examples of this figure of speech
A synecdoche (pronounced si- nek -d uh -kee) is a figure of speech which allows a part to stand for a whole or for a whole to stand for a part. When using synecdoche, you refer to your car as your “wheels” and a handful of quarters, dimes, and pennies as the “change” needed to pay the meter.
A synecdoche occurs when one part of something is used instead of its whole. This might refer to an object being described through its materials, a container and what it holds, (for example, “I’m having a glass” rather than “I’m having a drink”) and the items in a category.
Synecdoche is figurative, not literal, speech. That is, its meaning is not to be taken for at surface value. Synecdoche is a type of figurative language that uses a part of something to mean the whole thing. Examples illustrate this best.
Jun 3, 2024 · Insights and Analysis. Synecdoche can convey a great deal of meaning in a minimal number of words. It is a powerful tool for poets to use to bring out the most from their poems, and it can be particularly effective when it is used to convey a certain mood or atmosphere to the reader.
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Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase that refers to a part of something is substituted to stand in for the whole, or vice versa. For example, the phrase “all hands on deck” is a demand for all of the crew to help, yet the word “hands”—just a part of the crew—stands in for the whole crew. Synecdoche is a subset of metonymy.
