ABSTRACT
A metaphor describes one thing in terms of another. It provides a bridge, a way of communicating at least partially about experiences we have not shared. Metaphors and the associations and meanings on which they draw are culturally based. Metaphors are cognitive tools for helping us understand abstract concepts by means of other, more concrete concepts which are more familiar to us. An analogy compares something familiar and something new. It can provide an effective introduction to a story or presentation when people first introduce a new concept. Not only do metaphors help us make sense of new information by connecting it to previous experience, these colorful figures of speech are a good way to attract and hold attention. Metonym and synecdoche are two related figures of speech and image. Metonyms often depend upon extensive cultural knowledge. Synecdoche is a special case of metonymy in which a part represents the whole.
