Glossary of Linguistic Terms

Conventional Metaphor

Definition: 

A conventional metaphor is a metaphor that is commonly used in everyday language in a culture to give structure to some portion of that culture’s conceptual system.

Examples: 

(English)

  • The understanding of time as a resource.
    • ​Example: Time is running out.
  • The understanding of life as a journey
    • ​Example: It’s time to get on with your life.
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