What is a Synecdoche?

  • Synecdoche is a figure of speech where a part of something is used to refer to its whole.  
  • A less common form of synecdoche is when a whole is used to refer to a part. For example- the word “mortals” means humans—”mortals” technically includes all animals & plants (anything that dies), so when we use “mortals” to mean humans is a synecdoche.
  • Synecdoche has been used by generations of writers in poetry & prose. It is used in many idioms, colloquial expressions & slang terms. One of the common forms of synecdoche is when a body part is used  (hand, heart, head, eyes, etc.) to refer to an entire person.

Synecdoche – Meaning, Definition, Uses & Examples

Synecdoche: English language like other languages is interesting in its unique manner. Learning its grammar & vocabulary along with finding out ways to make the language rich & polished is a very fulfilling process. Figures of speech are one of the most interesting topics. One of the figures of speech that we often use in our daily lives is Synecdoche. Let’s have a look at what Synecdoches are & how we can use them in sentences, with the help of some examples. 

Synecdoche is one of the figures of speech that we use in our daily lives. Synecdoche is a rhetorical device in which a term refers to a part of something to substitute for the whole thing. Example – English for the England cricket team.

Synecdoche

Table of Content

  • What is a Synecdoche?
  • Synecdoche Meaning
  • What is the Purpose of Synecdoche?
  • How Does Synecdoche Differ from Metonymy: Synecdoche vs Metonymy
  • Importance of using Synecdoche
  • Synecdoche Figure of Speech
  • Synecdoche in a Sentence
  • Synecdoche Literary Definition
  • Examples of Synecdoche from English Literature
  • Practice Questions on Synecdoche

Similar Reads

What is a Synecdoche?

Synecdoche is a figure of speech where a part of something is used to refer to its whole.   A less common form of synecdoche is when a whole is used to refer to a part. For example- the word “mortals” means humans—”mortals” technically includes all animals & plants (anything that dies), so when we use “mortals” to mean humans is a synecdoche. Synecdoche has been used by generations of writers in poetry & prose. It is used in many idioms, colloquial expressions & slang terms. One of the common forms of synecdoche is when a body part is used  (hand, heart, head, eyes, etc.) to refer to an entire person....

Synecdoche Meaning

Synecdoche is a way of speaking where you use a part of something to represent the whole thing or use the whole to represent a part. It’s like saying “all hands on deck” when you really mean “everyone help out.”...

What is the Purpose of Synecdoche?

As a literary device, synecdoche is a means of expression of a “whole” entity or idea in a rhetorical way by using a part of it. This makes it more effective for readers as it allows them to think of an object or idea in a different way, in terms of the representation of its parts....

How Does Synecdoche Differ from Metonymy: Synecdoche vs Metonymy

SYNECDOCHE METONYMY Synecdoche is a figure of speech where a part of something is used to refer to its whole.   Metonymy is a figure of speech in which a term (an object or an idea) gets substituted by another term that is closely related to it. Example: He is planning to hire some more hands.Here, ‘hands’ refers to people/employees. Example: It would be really good if you could give me a hand.Here, ‘hand’ is meant to help....

Importance of using Synecdoche

Synecdoche is a rhetorical device in which the speaker/writer uses a part of something in place of the whole thing. Example: When you pump a car full of lead, you are fueling it up. By using this sort of comparison, the speaker is letting the audience put in effort to determine what s/he means. The more the audience thinks about what is being said, the more memorable it is & they will be more engaged.  Synecdoche creates a more vivid & memorable image in the listener’s mind & by emphasizing certain aspects of the thing that is being described....

Synecdoche Figure of Speech

As a figure of speech, synecdoche makes your words more colorful and compact. It lets you give a quick, vivid picture by mentioning just a part of something or suggesting a larger idea with a single detail. It’s a creative shortcut in language....

Synecdoche in a Sentence

“Check out the new set of wheels,” he said, showing off his car. In this sentence, “wheels” stands for the whole car, using synecdoche to make the phrase more lively and interesting....

Synecdoche Literary Definition

In literature, synecdoche is a device authors use to add depth to their writing. By referring to something by one of its parts or by implying a larger whole from a single element, writers can make their descriptions more powerful and engaging....

Examples of Synecdoche from English Literature

1. Synecdoche in Beloved by Toni Morrison...

Practice Questions on Synecdoche

1. “The pen is mightier than the sword”, in this which portion is metonymic?    a. The pen & the sword...

Synecdoche- FAQs

What is a Synecdoche?...