metaphor

A way of describing one thing as another to show how they are similar.

• The poet uses metaphor.
• She explained grief through the metaphor of a dark room.
• Is that description literal, or is it metaphor?

How to use it: a metaphor for something (The journey is a metaphor for life.)

Common phrases: use metaphor, extended metaphor, metaphor for something

A word or phrase that describes something as another thing with similar qualities.

• That phrase is a metaphor.
• His speech was full of colorful metaphors.
• The writer calls time a thief in this metaphor.

How to use it: a metaphor for something (She used a locked door as a metaphor for fear.)

Common phrases: a powerful metaphor, mixed metaphor, metaphor for something

A familiar idea or object used to make a computer system easier to understand and use.

• The interface uses a desktop metaphor.
• A folder metaphor helps users organize files.
• Designers chose a shopping basket metaphor for the website.

Common phrases: desktop metaphor, interface metaphor, folder metaphor