metaphor
a figure of speech that carries meaning across
Roots
- meta-: change, across, after, or beyond
- phor / pher: carry, bear, or bring across
Other words with the meta- root
- metamorphosis: a profound change in form
Other words with the phor / pher root
- euphoria: intense well-being or joy
- euphoric: intensely happy or elated
- phosphorus: a glowing chemical element
- semaphore: a signaling system using flags or arms
A metaphor carries meaning across from one thing to another: the comparison moves without saying like or as.
Calling the deadline a storm was a metaphor; everyone felt the pressure gathering.
Metaphor is useful because the structure matches the act. Meta- gives across and phor gives carry: meaning is carried across from one image to another.