Synecdoche meaning and real examples as a figure of speech in literature used in the book, 601 Words You Need to Know to Pass Your Exam for advanced learners of English and literature students. Practice listening and reading comprehension with the word, synecdoche.
/sɪnˈekdəkɪ/ (noun)
Table of Contents
Synecdoche meaning
synecdoche is a figure of speech in literature in which the part represents the whole or vice versa
Example
Synecdoche is derived from the Greek word synekdoche defined as “simultaneous meaning.” The contemporary English definition of synecdoche is: a literary device where a word for a small component of something can stand in rhetorically for the larger whole, or vice versa. While this might sound confusing, chances are you use synecdoche all the time in your daily life.
When referring to the Los Angeles Dodgers, you might say “Los Angeles beat New York last night.” When talking about the executive branch of the United States you might say “The White House is working on a budget compromise.” These are both examples of synecdoche: The city of LA didn’t literally destroy the city of New York, just as the actual structure of the White House is not engaged in budget negotiations.
Source of example: https://www.masterclass.com/
Related vocabulary
Parts of speech
Adjective: synecdochic
Adjective: synecdochical
Adverb: synecdochically
