Synecdoche

Definition

A rhetorical figure in which a part is used to refer to the whole (or vice versa) — 'boots on the ground' for soldiers, 'wheels' for a car, 'the Crown' for the monarchy.

Beyond the definition

Synecdoche is everywhere in everyday language; we use it without knowing. 'All hands on deck.' 'Lend me your ears.' The fragment that conjures the whole — one of the mind's most natural shortcuts, and one of the writer's most powerful tools.

Origin & history

Greek 'synekdoche' — literally 'simultaneous understanding,' from 'syn-' (together) + 'ekdoche' (interpretation). The part carries the whole meaning; the two arrive simultaneously.

Example sentences

Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.

'Suits' was her synecdoche for the entire corporate world.

'The press' is a synecdoche for all journalism.

She used synecdoche masterfully — one detail and you understood the whole life.

How to use it

This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”

Choose “Synecdoche” when the meaning fits your context: A rhetorical figure in which a part is used to refer to the whole (or vice versa) — 'boots on the ground' for soldiers, 'wheels' for a car, 'the Crown' for the monarchy.

Synonyms

part-for-whole, metonymy, figure of speech

Antonyms

literal expression

Related words

• allusion
• allegory
• exposition

Questions about this word

What does "Synecdoche" mean?

Synecdoche is noun meaning: A figure of speech where a part stands for the whole — or the whole for a part.. A rhetorical figure in which a part is used to refer to the whole (or vice versa) — 'boots on the ground' for soldiers, 'wheels' for a car, 'the Crown' for the monarchy.

Where does the word "Synecdoche" come from?

Greek 'synekdoche' — literally 'simultaneous understanding,' from 'syn-' (together) + 'ekdoche' (interpretation). The part carries the whole meaning; the two arrive simultaneously.