Both synecdoche and metonymy are figures of speech in the English language. Both of them originated from the Greek language, as earlier, they were parts of ancient Greek rhetoric.
The concepts sometimes cause confusion as they are sometimes overlapping, although it can be very simple too. This depends on the understanding.
Key Takeaways
- Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a part of something refers to the whole, while metonymy is a figure of speech in which one thing is used to represent another thing with which it is closely associated.
- Synecdoche is used in literature and poetry to create a vivid image or convey a specific meaning, while metonymy is used in everyday language to simplify communication.
- Synecdoche is a form of metaphor, while metonymy is a form of figurative language that involves substitution.
Synecdoche vs Metonymy
The term ‘synecdoche’ is used to refer to a part of something to the whole thing. There are multiple layers of synecdoche. It focuses on a particular part of a thing. The term ‘metonymy’ can be used to represent something. There are different types of metonymy. It mainly focuses on the related part of the concept.
Synecdoche is a part of metonymy only and is used to refer specifically when a part of something is used to refer to a whole of it or vice versa.
It will be better to understand it with an example- it is common to call the people related to the news, the people who broadcast it, and the people who collect it called ‘the press’.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of comparison | Synecdoche | Metonymy |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Synecdoche is a part of metonymy only and is used to refer specifically when a part of something is used to refer to a whole of it or vice versa. | Metonymy is also a figure of speech used to refer to something connected to it. |
| What is it | It is a type of figure of speech like metaphor, personification, etc. | It is also a figure of speech. |
| Type | It is part of metonymy. Although some people might not refer it to as part of metonymy, it actually is. | Metonymy is just a figure of speech. |
| Layers | Synecdoche can have multiple layers at the same time. | Metonymy does not have many layers. It just has different types. |
| Example | In Canada, coins are also called loonies as they have a picture of a loon on them. Here, the loon is the synecdoche as it is used to represent all the coins. | In the united states, Washington DC or just Washington is used to referring to the whole government while the white house is for referring the president and other members. |
What is Synecdoche?
Synecdoche is a part of metonymy only and is used to refer specifically when a part of something is used to refer to a whole of it or vice versa.
In Canada, coins are also called loonies as they have a picture of a loon on them here. Loon is the synecdoche as it is used to represent all the coins.
What is Metonymy?
Metonymy is also a figure of speech that is used to refer to something that is connected to it.
It will be better to understand it with an example- it is common to call the people related to the news, the people who broadcast it, and the people who collect it called ‘the press’.
In the united states, Washington DC or just Washington is used to refer to the whole government, while the white house is for referring the president and other members.
Main Differences Between Synecdoche and Metonymy
- Synecdoche can have multiple layers at the same time, but metonymy does not have many layers. It just has different types.
- Example for synecdoche- In Canada, coins are also called loonies as they have a picture of a loon on them here loon is the synecdoche as it is used to represent all the coins, while for metonymy it is like, in the united states, Washington DC or just Washington is used to refer the whole government while the white house is for referring the president and other members.
- https://heinonline.org/hol-cgi-bin/get_pdf.cgi?handle=hein.journals/hllr14§ion=15
- https://www.jstor.org/stable/1772425
- https://www.oxfordhandbooks.com/view/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199738632.001.0001/oxfordhb-9780199738632-e-10
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
This article offers a detailed exploration of synecdoche and metonymy, presenting a clear differentiation between the two linguistic devices. The examples effectively illustrate the application of synecdoche and metonymy in both literary and everyday language.
The article provides an in-depth analysis of synecdoche and metonymy, offering a detailed explanation of their differences, types, and application. The comprehensive comparison is beneficial for readers interested in linguistic figures of speech.
This article offers a detailed exploration of synecdoche and metonymy, providing a comprehensive comparison of the two linguistic devices. The clear examples enhance the understanding of synecdoche and metonymy, making the content both informative and engaging.
The article presents a comprehensive comparison of synecdoche and metonymy, elucidating their respective definitions and usage. The examples provided facilitate the comprehension of these figures of speech, making the content highly informative and valuable.
The comprehensive comparison of synecdoche and metonymy in this article offers valuable insights into their distinct usage and meanings. The detailed explanation and relevant examples aid in understanding the differences between these rhetorical devices.
The article provides an insightful comparison of synecdoche and metonymy, clarifying their distinctions through well-explained examples. The comprehensive analysis of these figures of speech contributes to the reader’s understanding of their usage and purpose.
The article provides an in-depth analysis of synecdoche and metonymy, shedding light on their respective meanings and usage. The provided examples are helpful and enhance the understanding of these figures of speech.
The article provides a comprehensive comparison between synecdoche and metonymy, offering a set of clear examples that illustrate the differences and usage of both linguistic devices.
This article explains in a clear and concise way the differences between these two concepts. The examples help to understand the difference between synecdoche and metonymy
This article offers a thorough comparison of synecdoche and metonymy, distinguishing their differences and explaining their application through relevant examples. The informative content is beneficial for those seeking a deeper understanding of these linguistic tools.