METONYMY vs SYNECDOCHE | Arghya Chakraborty, Asst. Prof. of English (W.B.E.S.

METONYMY vs SYNECDOCHE
Metonymy

Metonymy Definition

Metonymy is a figure of speech that replaces the name of a thing with the name of
something else with which it is closely associated.

In a metonymy the word we use to describe another thing is closely linked to that particular thing,
but is not a part of it.

For example, the word “crown” is used to refer to power or authority is a metonymy.

We use metonymy frequently in our everyday life. For a better understanding, let us observe a
few metonymy examples:

 “England decides to keep check on immigration.” (England refers to the government.)

 “The pen is mightier than the sword.” (Pen refers to written words, and sword to military force.)

 “The Oval Office was busy in work.” (The Oval Office is a metonymy, as it stands for people who

work in the office.)

 “Let me give you a hand.” (Hand means help.)

Sentences Using a Metonymy

These sentences will further enhance your appreciation and understanding of metonymies. The
metonymy is underlined.
 We must wait to hear from the crown until we make any further decisions.
 The White House will be announcing the decision around noon today.
 If we do not fill out the forms properly, the suits will be after us shortly.
 She's planning to serve the dish early in the evening.
 The Pentagon will be revealing the decision later on in the morning.
 The restaurant has been acting quite rude lately.
 Learn how to use your eyes properly!
 The library has been very helpful to the students this morning.
 METONYMY vs SYNECDOCHE | Arghya Chakraborty, Asst. Prof. of English (W.B.E.S.)

 That individual is quite the silver fox.

 Can you please give me a hand carrying this box up the stairs?
 The United States will be delivering the new product to us very soon.
 Saint Thomas will be coming to the soup kitchen to help out next Sunday after Mass.

Crown - in place of a royal person

 The White House - in place of the President or others who work there
 The suits - in place of business people
 Dish - for an entire plate of food
 The Pentagon - to refer to the staff
 The restaurant - to refer to the staff
 Ears - for giving attention ("Lend me your ears!" from Mark Antony in Julius Caesar)
 Eyes - for sight
 The library - for the staff or the books
 Pen - for the written word
 Sword - for military might
 Silver fox - for an attractive older man
 Hand - for help
 The name of a country - used in place of the government, economy, etc.
 The name of a church - used in place of its individual members

1. CONTAINER FOR THE THING CONTAINED. (CUP/MUG for TEA/COFEE/SOUP etc.)

2. INSTRUMENT OR ORGAN FOR THE AGENT. (PEN for WRITER, SWORD for FIGHTER etc.)
3. SYMBOL FOR THE THING SYMBOLIZED. (CROWN for KING)

4. MAKER FOR HIS WORK. (SHAKESPEARE for HIS WORK)

5. THE PLACE FOR ITS PRODUCTION. (MOROCCO for LEATHER PRODUCED THERE)

6. CAUSE FOR THE EFFECT. (SUN for SUN RAYS)

7. EFFECT FOR THE CAUSE. (GREY HAIR for OLD AGE/PERSON/ELDERS)
 METONYMY vs SYNECDOCHE | Arghya Chakraborty, Asst. Prof. of English (W.B.E.S.)

SYNECDOCHE

Metonymy is often confused with another figure of speech called “synecdoche.” These devices
resemble one another, but are not the same.

Synecdoche refers to a thing by the name of one of its parts.

For example, calling a car “a wheel” is a synecdoche, as a part of a car – the “wheel” – stands
for the whole car.

PART for WHOLE (INDIA for PEOPLE OF INDIA)

WHOLE for PART (POLICE for A FEW POLICE OFFICERS)

It is very common to refer to a thing by the name of its parts. Let us look at some of the
examples of synecdoche that we often hear in casual conversations:

 The word “bread” refers to food or money, as in “Writing is my bread and butter,” or
“He is the sole breadwinner.”
 The word “sails” refers to a whole ship.
 The word “suit” refers to a businessman.
 The word “boots” usually refers to soldiers.
 The term “coke” is a common synecdoche for all carbonated drinks.
 “Pentagon” is a synecdoche when it refers to a few decision makers.
 The word “glasses” refers to spectacles.

1. SPECIES FOR GENUS. (SILVER/GOLD for WEALTH/RICHES)

2. GENUS FOR SPECIES. (LAZY CREATURE for MAN/PANDA)
3. INDIVIDUAL FOR CLAN/GROUP. (SHYLOCK for CRUEL MONEY LENDER)
4. ABSTRACT FOR CONCRETE. (HUMANITY for MAN)
5. CONCRETE FOR ABSTRACT. (ROSE for ROSY/RED COLOUR)
6. MATERIAL FOR THE THING. (STEEL for ARMOUR MADE OF STEEL)