Synecdoche & Metonymy

Synecdoche

Definition of Synecdoche

Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase that refers to a part of something is substituted to stand in for the whole, or vice versa. For example, the phrase “all hands on deck” is a demand for all of the crew to help, yet the word “hands” just a part of the crew stands in for the whole crew.

Synecdoche is a subset of metonymy. We explore the similarities and differences between the two in more detail below. Synecdoche and metonymy are also considered forms of metaphor in that all three literary devices involve a substitution of one term for another that requires a conceptual link. Synecdoche can sometimes be described as a form of personification in the cases when it substitutes a human element for a non-human organization, such as referring to a weapon falling into “the wrong hands.” In this case, the human element of “hands” stands in for an opposing group.

The word synecdoche comes from the Ancient Greek word synekdoche, which means “simultaneous understanding.”

Common Examples of Synecdoche

There are many common expressions that are examples of synecdoche. Here is a list of some of these examples:

• Boots on the ground : refers to soldiers
• New wheels : refers to a new car
• Ask for her hand : refers to asking a woman to marry
• Suits : can refer to businesspeople
• Plastic : can refer to credit cards
• The White House : can refer to statements made by individuals within the United States government

Significance of Synecdoche in Literature

Some literary theorists have posited that synecdoche is not merely ornamental, but instead one of the chief ways to describe and discover truths via literature. Along with metonymy, metaphor, and irony, synecdoche displays and creates new connections in the way that humans understand concepts. Whether or not authors use synecdoche intentionally, any connection between previously unassociated concepts creates new cognitive links. By exploring the usage of synecdoche in literature, we are able to better understand the human mind.

Metonymy Definition

It is a figure of speech that replaces the name of a thing with the name of something else with which it is closely associated. We can come across examples of metonymy both from literature and in everyday life. 

Examples of Metonymy in Everyday Life

We use metonymy frequently in our everyday life. For a better understanding, let us observe a few metonymy examples:

• England decides to keep check on immigration. (England refers to the government.)
• The pen is mightier than the sword. (Pen refers to written words and sword to military force.)
• The Oval Office was busy in work. (“The Oval Office” is a metonymy as it stands for people at work in the office.)
• Let me give you a hand. (Hand means help.)

Function of Metonymy

Generally, metonymy is used in developing literary symbolism i.e. it gives more profound meanings to otherwise common ideas and objects. By using metonymy, texts exhibit deeper or hidden meanings and thus drawing readers’ attention.  In addition, the use of metonymy helps achieve conciseness. For instance, “Rifles were guarding the gate” is more concise than “The guards with rifles in their hands were guarding the gate.”

Furthermore, metonymy, like other literary devices, is employed to add a poetic color to words to make them come to life. The simple ordinary things are described in a creative way to insert this “life” factor to the literary works.

Difference Between Synecdoche and Metonymy

The definition of synecdoche requires the substituted term to be either a part of the whole or a whole standing in for a part. Metonymy, on the other hand, can refer to the substitution of a term that is connected in any way to the original concept. For example, using “the crown” to refer to a member of royalty is metonymy because the concept of the crown is related to royalty. However, a crown is neither part of the royal person, nor is the royal person part of the crown.