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Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a “part” of something is used to represent its “whole.” With a synecdoche, one word is used to replace a longer phrase with the same meaning. It can also refer to the reverse, in which a “whole” is used to replace a “part,” although this is far less common.
- 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 occurs when a part stands in for a whole, or a whole stands in for a part. To recognize synecdoche it's helpful to understand that there are different sorts of wholes and parts. The most common types of wholes and parts are: A physical structure and its parts: "All hands on deck!"
Mar 14, 2023 · Write with Grammarly. What is synecdoche? Synecdoche (pronounced sin-ek-duh-kee) is a figure of speech in which a specific part of something is used to refer to the whole thing. It comes from the Greek word synekdoche, which means “simultaneous meaning.”
Examples of Synecdoche in Literature. Example #1. GHOST: Now, Hamlet, hear. ‘Tis given out that, sleeping in my orchard, A serpent stung me. So the whole ear of Denmark. Is by a forgèd process of my death. Rankly abused. But know, thou noble youth, The serpent that did sting thy father’s life.
Examples of Synecdoche. There are two key types of synecdoche: microcosm and macrocosm. Microcosm is the phrase for synecdoche in which a smaller part signifies a larger whole. Macrocosm, on the other hand, is the phrase for synecdoche in which a larger whole signifies a smaller collection of parts. Example 1.
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Poetry. In Norman MacCaig's poem Visiting Hour, the speaker uses synecdoche to describe himself as he visits his wife in hospital: 'the hospital smell combs my nostrils as they go...
