Search
Synecdoche
01
a figure of speech in which a part of something represents the whole or vice versa
What is "synecdoche"?
Synecdoche is a figure of speech where a part of something is used to represent the whole, or the whole is used to represent a part. It involves substituting a specific detail or aspect of something for the larger concept or vice versa. For example, saying "all hands on deck" uses "hands" to refer to the people on a ship. Similarly, referring to a car as "wheels" is using a part of the vehicle to represent the whole. Synecdoche helps to create vivid and concise expressions by highlighting specific features or elements.
synecdoche
n
synecdochic
adj
synecdochic
adj
Example
"The White House" is often used as synecdoche to refer to the entire United States government, emphasizing the executive branch's authority and power.
In literature, synecdoche is a figure of speech where a part of something is used to represent the whole, or vice versa, such as referring to a car as "wheels."
