metaphoric
Meaning
describing something in a way that is not literally true, but helps to explain an idea or make a comparison
relating to or using metaphor
Structure
Usage
she used a metaphoric expression, calling the old mansion "a sleeping giant."
his speech was rich in metaphoric language, painting vivid pictures in the minds of the audience.
the phrase "a sea of troubles" is a metaphoric way to describe overwhelming problems.
Etymology
the word 'metaphoric' is built upon the core of 'metaphor', which originates from the greek 'metaphora', itself a combination of 'meta-' (implying change or transference) and 'pherein' (to carry). this literal sense of "carrying across" perfectly captures the essence of a metaphor: it transfers meaning from one concept to another. the suffix '-ic', of greek origin via latin, transforms the noun into an adjective, describing anything that possesses the qualities of or relates to this figurative transference of meaning. thus, the modern abstract sense of describing non-literal, comparative language is a direct evolution from the ancient idea of "carrying meaning over."
Analysis
meta (greek origin, meaning "change, beyond, or after"), phor (from greek 'pherein', meaning "to carry, to bear"), ic (from latin -icus/greek -ikos, an adjective-forming suffix meaning "of, pertaining to, or having the nature of")