What is synecdoche ? Synecdoche (pronounced sin-ek-duh-kee) is a figure of speech in which a specific part of something is used to refer to the whole thing. It comes from the Greek word synekdoche, which means “simultaneous meaning.” For example, using synecdoche , the word threads means clothing, heels means high-heeled shoes, and a suit is a businessperson who wears suits to work. Synecdoche also works in the reverse direction by substituting the whole thing for a part. Although these ... Synecdoche is a figure of speech that uses a part or a whole to refer to a related thing. Learn about the two main types of synecdoche (microcosm and macrocosm), how it differs from metaphor and metonymy, and see common examples in literature, advertising, and sports. The meaning of SYNECDOCHE is a figure of speech by which a part is put for the whole (such as fifty sail for fifty ships), the whole for a part (such as society for high society), the species for the genus (such as cutthroat for assassin), the genus for the species (such as a creature for a man), or the name of the material for the thing made (such as boards for stage). Frequently Asked Questions About synecdoche . Discover what synecdoche means, its history, and its differences from metonymy. See examples in literature and everyday speech.
