metonymy
Say it: meh-TON-ih-mee /mɪˈtɒnɪmi/ · noun
What “metonymy” means
Naming something using the name of a closely connected thing.
More precisely: Referring to something by the name of a closely associated thing.
Example: “Saying 'Downing Street said' instead of 'the Prime Minister said' is metonymy.”
When to use it
When discussing shorthand that names an associated object or place instead of the people or institution it represents.
Similar words
substitution, figure of speech
Where it comes from
Greek metōnumia, 'change of name'.
Quick check
A history book says the crown raised taxes, meaning the monarch rather than their headwear. Which device is that?
synecdoche or metonymy?
Show the answer
metonymy
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