Metaphor

Abstract

An agreed definition of metaphor does not appear to exist, with agreement only for a more general description of metaphor where metaphor is described as carrying meaning from one domain to another. Metaphors are argued to enable us to fill gaps in our language and transfer meaning by utilizing a metaphor which fits the characteristics of the concept that we wish to highlight. Metaphors are argued to add new meanings to both the source and target concepts. However, metaphors only generate partial truths as not every aspect of the metaphor in use transfers to the concept being described. For example, the man is a lion emphasizes the lion‐like aspects of man but does not suggest that the man is a lion.