Synecdoche may not be one of the most common words on your radar, but it’s a literary device frequently used in everyday language, often without people realizing it. This device is not only functional but also creatively adds depth to a sentence. Let’s dive into the definition and types of synecdoche that you have undoubtedly used or heard before.
What is Synecdoche?
First, let’s define synecdoche
From Shakespeare to news broadcasters to water cooler banter, synecdoche is a device that appears often in our daily language. To identify it, let's start with the definition.
SYNECDOCHE DEFINITION
What is synecdoche?
Synecdoche is a literary and rhetorical device that uses a part of something to represent the whole, or vice versa. It is derived from the Greek word “synekdoche”, which means ‘simultaneous understanding’. It is a figure of speech that creates an association between a part and the whole, or a specific thing and something more general.
Synecdoche Examples:
- "Lend me your ears" - in this phrase, “ears” is used to represent the person as a whole.
- "The White House announced today" - in this example, “White House” refers to the government as a whole.
- "All hands on deck" - here, “hands” represents all the crew members on a ship.
What is Synecdoche Used For?
Purpose of Synecdoche
So, why do writers and speakers choose to use synecdoche in their language? How has the literary device worked its way into both everyday rhetoric and top-tier literature? Here are a few key reasons:
Vivid Imagery
Synecdoche allows the use of a specific part to represent the whole and in doing so creates stronger imagery that can create more emotion or connection to the language.
For instance, referring to a car as "wheels" creates a strong mental picture with an underlying emotional tone that is not so literal.
Simplification of Concepts
Synecdoche also serves functionally to simplify complex concepts or ideas, making them easier to grasp by using an easily recognizable part. For example, saying "the crown" to refer to royalty not only conveys the idea of monarchy but also evokes the imagery and authority associated with it.
Engaging the Reader or Listener
Synecdoche can be found in many memorable quotes and phrases because of its ability to add more depth to something otherwise literal. The device itself invites a listener or reader to participate more into the language, connecting dots, and making the content more engaging. This technique encourages readers and listeners to think critically and draw connections.
How to Use Synecdoche
Types of Synecdoche
Various types of synecdoche change depending on the relationship between the part and the whole. Each is used to achieve a different effect whether in conversation or in writing.
Some of the most common types include:
Part-for-whole: as seen in the example “lend me your ears”, where a specific body part represents the entire person.
Whole-for-part: this is the reverse of part-for-whole, where the whole entity is used to represent just a part of it. For example, saying “Canada won gold at the Olympics” when referring to a specific team or athlete from Canada.
Material-for-object: in this type, a material is used to represent an object that is made of that material. An example would be saying “the silver screen” to refer to the film industry.
Container-for-content: here, a container is used to represent the contents inside it. For instance, saying “I drank a whole bottle” when referring to the liquid inside.
Beyond literature, synecdoche is woven into everyday language, often without us realizing it. When someone refers to a vehicle as "wheels" or a business executive as a "suit," they are employing synecdoche. You'll start to notice just how often it is used in conversation and in media now that you can identify and understand synecdoche.
Up Next
What is Metonymy?
While synecdoche relies on a part-to-whole or whole-to-part relationship, metonymy takes a different approach by substituting the name of one thing with the name of something closely associated with it. Learn more about metonymy and its literary function up next.
