Piecing together synecdoche

What is a synecdoche?

A synecdoche is a figure of speech where a small part or a feature of something is used to describe the whole thing. These parts or features are often key descriptors of an object so that the synecdoche is easy to understand. In some cases, a synecdoche can also work backward and use a word that means something bigger to describe a small part of something. Synecdoche is so commonly used in the English language that we may not realize how often they make an appearance.

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Microcosmic vs. macrocosmic synecdoche

A synecdoche that uses a small part of something big is microcosmic, and a synecdoche that uses a big thing to describe a small part of something is macrocosmic. Here’s an example of what a microcosmic synecdoche looks like: “Sasha used to tickle the ivories at that fancy restaurant.”

The phrase “tickle the ivories” is an idiom that means to “play the piano.” Some pianos have white keys that are made out of ivory, which is the root of the expression. Because ivory keys are only one component of the piano as a whole, referring to a piano as ivories is a microcosmic synecdoche.

Now, here’s an example of a macrocosmic synecdoche: “The lacrosse club asked me if I wanted to join them for practice next week.” When saying “the lacrosse club” sent out an invite, it’s likely that the club’s captain or coach was doing the asking and not every single member of the team was involved. This phrase uses macroscopic synecdoche because the whole lacrosse club only refers to one or two people.

Why is synecdoche used in writing?

Synecdoche is often added in literature to create imagery. Using synecdoche brings attention toward physical parts of something, which can help us form a clearer picture of what’s happening. For instance, saying “He was placed behind bars” is a more descriptive way of saying a person was sent to jail. Saying “bars” instead of “jail” helps the reader imagine the bars that are holding the person back.

What is the difference between synecdoche vs. metonymy?

Synecdoche and metonymy are very similar. Some linguists even agree that synecdoche is a type of metonymy. However, the key difference between synecdoche and metonymy is that metonymy uses a word that is related to replace the word it is describing, and synecdoche uses a word that is literally a part of what it is describing.

The Greek origins of the words “synecdoche” “metonymy” can help differentiate their meanings. The “syn” in “synecdoche” means “along with,” and the “meta” in “metonymy” means “among.”¹

A metonymy looks like this:

• Tom and I are going to the 305 for our spring break.

Miami, Florida is commonly referred as “the 305” because 305 is the city’s area code. Calling Miami “the 305” is a metonymy since it is a number that is related to the city.

A synecdoche looks like this:

• Tom and I are taking a road trip to Miami with his new set of wheels.

“New set of wheels” is used here to refer to a new car. Because wheels are a physical part of a car, referring to the car as a set of wheels is a synecdoche.

Since the two figures of speech are so similar, there is some overlap between synecdoche and metonymy. Wheels are obviously related to cars, so saying “a set of wheels” to describe a car can also be considered a metonymy. A word that isn’t physically a part of what it’s referring to, like 305 and Miami, is strictly metonymy.

Using synecdoche when writing essays and short stories gives your readers a better visual of what’s going on and makes your piece more fun to read. Find more writing tips to help you become a creative and efficient writer.

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