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فارسی
استعاره — meaning in English: Metaphor
estʿāre · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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Metaphor
مفهوم
mafhum
استعاره
estʿāre
خنک
khonak
استقامت
esteqamat
چشم
cheshm
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literary
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Usage
Native speakers often use the word استعاره in literary discussions or when analyzing poetry, where metaphor plays a critical role in conveying deeper meanings. It's also common in educational settings, such as language arts classes, where students learn to identify and create metaphors in their writing.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is تشبیه (tashbih), which means 'simile.' While تشبیه directly compares two things using 'like' or 'as,' استعاره implies a more abstract relationship where one thing represents another, adding depth and creativity to language. Choose استعاره when you want to highlight the figurative nature of speech.
Culture
The word استعاره comes from the Arabic root عَرَة, which means to borrow, reflecting the idea that metaphors borrow meaning from one context and apply it to another. This concept is deeply embedded in Persian literature, particularly in classical poetry, where poets like Rumi and Hafez utilized metaphors to express complex emotional and philosophical ideas, adding layers of meaning to their verses.
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