Last Updated on March 23, 2022
What is Synecdoche? To help you understand what this literary device is and how it is used, this article provides detailed guidance on definitions and examples of Synecdoche, and how it can be used in a sentence.
Table of Contents
Definition of Synecdoche
Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a part of something is used to signify the whole, or vice-versa. In fact, it’s derived from the Greek word synekdoche: “simultaneous meaning.” As a literary device, synecdoche allows for a smaller component of something to stand in for the larger whole, in a rhetorical manner. Synecdoche can work in the opposite direction as well, in which the larger whole stands in for a smaller component of something. Synecdoche is a helpful device for writers to express a word or idea in a different way by using an aspect of that word or idea. This allows for variation of expression and produces an effect for the reader.
For example, a common synecdoche for proposing marriage is to ask for a person’s “hand.” This is a figure of speech in the sense that asking for someone’s hand is for effect, not intended literally. The “hand” in this example of synecdoche is the part that signifies the whole person receiving the marriage proposal, and reflects the symbolic placement of a wedding ring. As a literary device, synecdoche is a means for writers to avoid overusing words or phrases and creating an artistic form of expression.
Common Examples of Synecdoche
Here are some examples of synecdoche that may be found in everyday expression:
- The White House (signifies the U.S. president or executive branch)
- Wearing heels (signifies high-heeled shoes)
- Green thumb (signifies person who is good at gardening)
- The Pentagon (signifies U.S. military leaders)
- England (signifies Great Britain)
- Boots on the ground (signifies soldiers)
- Paper or plastic (signifies type of shopping bag)
- Stars and stripes (signifies U.S. flag)
- Suits (signifies people in business)
- Wheels (signifies a vehicle)
- Pearly gates (signifies Heaven)
- Behind bars (signifies being in jail)
- Threads (signifies clothing)
- Tickle the ivories (signifies playing piano keys)
- Twinkle toes (signifies a dancer)
Examples of Synecdoche as Character Names
Fictional characters often feature synecdoche in their names to indicate an aspect or part of them that signifies their nature as a whole. These names can be meant in a genuine or ironic way. Here are some examples:
- The Brain (Alan from children’s television series “Arthur”)
- Fang (Hagrid’s dog from “Harry Potter” series)
- Red (Ellis Boyd Redding from “The Shawshank Redemption”)
- Hot Lips (Margaret Houlihan from “M*A*S*H”)
- Whiskers (cat from “Toy Story”)
- Spot (dog from “Dick and Jane”)
- Stickers (nickname for Lightning McQueen in “Cars”)
- Blackbeard (pirate)
- Freckles (title character of Gene Stratton-Porter novel)
- Two-Face (villain in DC Comics)
Famous Examples of Synecdoche
Think you haven’t heard of any famous synecdoche? Here are some well-known and recognizable examples of this figure of speech:
- All hands on deck
- Faces in the crowd
- Kansas City scored the winning touchdown
- Lend me your ears
- Keep the change
- Have a nice day
- You have my heart
- Hit the sheets
- I know those voices
- Keep your eyes up here
Difference Between Synecdoche and Metonymy
Synecdoche and metonymy are often confused. As literary devices, they are similar but distinct from each other. Synecdoche, as a figure of speech, must indicate a relationship in which a part signifies the whole of an entity. Metonymy is also a figure of speech in which one word is used to replace another. However, in metonymy, the words are closely linked rather than one word being a smaller part of the whole word or idea that it represents.
Here is an illustrative example of the difference between synecdoche and metonymy:
- “I am at the peak of my career.” This is an example of synecdoche. “Peak” is used here to indicate the highest point of the speaker’s career path. The “peak” is a smaller part of the speaker’s job experience as a whole.
- “I have a mountain of work to do.” This is an example of Metonymy. “Mountain” is used here as a figure of speech that would be related or closely linked to a “pile” of paperwork. Though the word “mountain” is different than “pile,” they are both associated with one another in terms of meaning.
Both synecdoche and metonymy emphasize relationships between words and ideas. They serve to establish connections for readers as a means of developing a greater understanding of concepts and expression through language.
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