FIGURES OF SPEECH - 10 - METONYMY

A figure of speech is an ornamental use of words.

A figure of speech may be defined as a change from the plain and ordinary mode of expression for the sake of emphasis or to beautify the language.

Figure of speech is a technique or a tool of expression, by means of which one deviates from the ordinary expression in order to produce a better or a more emphatic linguistic effect.

Figures of speech are commonly used in poetry to enhance the beauty, imagery, poetic effect and rhyme scheme of the poem.

METONYMY

Metonomy means a change of name. 

When a word is used to express something that it is closely associated with, the figure of speech is metonymy.

Examples:

1. Give us this day our daily bread.

Bread is associated with food or basic necessities.

2. From the cradle to the grave.

Infancy to death.

3. You must address the Chair.

The chair(sign) stands for a person in authority.

4. The pen is mightier than the sword. 

Here, pen(instrument) stands for writing (agent) which is more powerful than fighting (agent) which is denoted by a sword(instrument).