ModeDecisive criterion
LiteralThe word carries its established primary sense
FigurativeTransferred sense with a clue excluding the literal one
KināyahAn implied associated meaning is intended while the literal sense remains possible
A “lion” delivering a sermon excludes the real animal through context. “Many ashes” can remain literally possible while implying hospitality. The contrast prevents treating every indirect meaning as the same kind of metaphor.
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Supplementary Practice — Advanced Rhetorical Analysis and Worked Texts
ModeDecisive criterion
LiteralThe word carries its established primary sense
FigurativeTransferred sense with a clue excluding the literal one
KināyahAn implied associated meaning is intended while the literal sense remains possible
A “lion” delivering a sermon excludes the real animal through context. “Many ashes” can remain literally possible while implying hospitality. The contrast prevents treating every indirect meaning as the same kind of metaphor.