LessonsSix Kinds of Metaphor by Source, Target, and Common FeatureQuiz

SourceTargetCommon feature
SensorySensorySensory
SensorySensoryConceptual
SensorySensoryBoth sensory and conceptual
ConceptualConceptualConceptual
SensoryConceptualConceptual
ConceptualSensoryConceptual

Key conclusion: two sensory terms allow three types of shared feature: sensory, conceptual, or mixed. Each of the remaining three pairings requires a conceptual relation. This is the structure behind the six subtypes.

The isolated noun in an example is not enough to determine the answer; the intended target and likeness must first be identified.

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Complete six-part classification

Six Kinds of Metaphor by Source, Target, and Common Feature

SourceTargetCommon feature
SensorySensorySensory
SensorySensoryConceptual
SensorySensoryBoth sensory and conceptual
ConceptualConceptualConceptual
SensoryConceptualConceptual
ConceptualSensoryConceptual

Key conclusion: two sensory terms allow three types of shared feature: sensory, conceptual, or mixed. Each of the remaining three pairings requires a conceptual relation. This is the structure behind the six subtypes.

The isolated noun in an example is not enough to determine the answer; the intended target and likeness must first be identified.