Semantics

Chapter 11 Figurative Senses of Lexical Items

This chapter discusses the figurative senses of words in addition to the first two
kinds of senses, the primary senses and the secondary senses, discussed in the
previous chapters of the book.
The Primary Sense is the meaning suggested by a word when it is used alone. The
Secondary Sense is the many different meanings of a word when used in different
contexts. Figurative Senses are based on associative relations with the primary sense
(Beekman and Callow, 1974). They are found in some types of figures of speech and
cannot usually be translated with a literal form of a word.
Metonymy
A figure of speech in which one word or phrase is substituted for another with which it
is closely associated (thefreedictionary.com). In this chapter, there are three types of
associative relationship identified: The Spatial Relationship, Temporal Relationship, and
Logical Contiguity.
Spatial Relationship A word has a figurative sense which occurs in collocation with
another word. Here, a word substitutes for another but that word is not a synonym of
the word it substitutes. Here are examples provided by the book:

"He has a good head." Head is the place where the brain is located and it is being

used in a figurative way to refer to the brain.

"The response from the floor was positive." The floor represents the people who are

present in that particular area.

"The kettle is boiling." The kettle is used to represent the water. It is not the kettle
that is boiling but the water inside the kettle is boiling.

Examples of Metonymy-Spatial Relationship in Philippine language

Cebuano:

Expression:
Intended meaning
Hingbukal na ang kaldero.

Literal Translation
The pot is boiling.

The rice or water in the pot

is boiling.

Sirad-i ang balay.

Lock the house.

Lock the door of the house.

Patya nimo nang salida.

Turn-off/Shut off the show. Turn off the TV.

Temporal Relationship - Time related expressions that have figurative senses.

English Examples:

"We've waited for this day with anticipation." This refers to a holiday like
Independence Day. Day referring to Independence Day, is used for the holiday

which they will have on that day.

"Your hour has come." If a student says this to his classmate, it could mean "The
time to take your exam has arrived."

Examples of Metonymy-Temporal Relationship in Philippine language

Logical Contiguity - Based on logical relationship of words that will substitute and
words substituted.
English Examples:

"Moses is read every day in the Jewish synagogues." Moses is used to stand for the laws

which he wrote.
I listened to Bach. Bach is used to stand for the music he composed.
I read Shakespeare." - Shakespeare is used to stand for the plays he wrote.
Martin Beni lives by his gloves This means Martin Beni makes his living by boxing. Here, a

word or an object is used figuratively to stand for what it is really used for.
The Provincial Commissioner jailed all the fighters. - This means that The Provincial
Commissioner had the police jail all the fighters. The Provincial Commissioner stands for

the police who enact the law.

The Prime Minister barred unskilled laborers from entering Papua New Guinea.

Examples of Metonymy- logical contiguity in Philippine language

Synechdoche
A figure of speech in which a part is substituted for a whole or a whole for a part.

English Examples:

"Give us this day our daily bread." Bread is substituted for food.
"I am not going to let him come under my roof." Roof is substituted for house.
"His word can be trusted." Word used to substitute for the things the person says.
Only 8 hardy souls showed up for work. Souls used to substitute for persons.
There are a lot of lonely hearts out there. Hearts used to substitute for persons.
She said it to my face. My face substituted for me.

Examples of Synecdoche in Philippine language

Idioms
Idioms are expressions of at least two words which cannot be understood literally and
which function as a unit semantically (Beekman and Callow 1974:121).
Example:
Idiom
He has a hard heart.
An entrepreneur must keep his fingers on

Meaning
He is indifferent to the needs of others.
Being constantly aware of the most recent

the pulse of the market to be successful.

Finish all your paper requirements

developments.

quickly and do not let grass grow under

Don't delay in getting something done.

your feet.
Examples of Idioms in Philippine language

Euphemisms
This is a kind of expression which is in some way similar to metonymy. However, this is
used to avoid an offensive, socially unacceptable, and unpleasant expression.
Hyperbole