Synecdoche: Definition, Meaning, Examples, Practice Exercise with Answers

Synecdoche is a figure of speech in English grammar where a part of something is used to stand for the whole, or vice-versa and using it makes your language more expressive and engaging. For easier understanding, it is when you talk about an entire thing using only a part of it. It could also be when you refer to a part of something but use the whole in its place.

E.g:

• You got nice wheels. - 'Nice wheels' is not literally referring to the actual wheels, but instead complimenting the car/ vehicle.
• The world watched Prince's wedding excitedly. Here 'the world' is used to refer to the people.

Example of Synecdoche

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines  synecdoche as “a figure of speech by which a part is put for the whole, the whole for a part, the species for the genus, the genus for species, or the name of the material for the thing made.”

Synecdoche Pronunciation

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Synecdoche is a rhetorical literary device. Understanding the types of synecdoche is important in spotting the literary device and also to use to effectively. Find below the types of synecdoche in English:

Part for Whole (pars pro toto)

The most common types of synecdoche, this is used when a part of something is used for the entire thing. It paints a clear image in the mind without spelling out every detail. Also known as pars pro toto, the examples for part for whole synecdoche are as follows:

• I want all hands on deck for this project.

All hands on deck is not literally for the hands, but a call for the entire team/ crew to be there.

• We need more eyes on this matter.

 Eyes represent observation from more people and not actual eyes.

Whole for Part (totum pro parte)

Entire thing or object or concept is used in place of just a part of it. It is also called as totum pro parte in Latin. When using whole in place of a part a sense of unity and collective identity can be seen, hence this type of synecdoche is usually used when talking about sports, politics, and media. Look at the examples below to understand better:

• It is time for a party since India won the match.

It does not mean that the whole country played and won, but instead refers to an Indian sports team.

• The company is taking strict actions against latecomers.

In the example above, the company is used in place of HR and higher management.

Specific for General

Here a specific, well-known example is used to represent an entire category. This adds an instant clarity and helps the audience immediately think of the picture. It also adds weightage to the example, be it artistic genius, luxury, history, or cultural significance.

Example:

• Janet has a Picasso in her bedroom. (Picasso = any painting created by Picasso and not a specific one)
• Shane drives a Tesla. (Although Tesla is a brand, here it is used in a general sense to denote an EV)

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Let us take a look at some common examples of synecdoche in English:

With synecdoche’s ability to make language and vocabulary colourful, it is used across both classic pieces of literature and modern pop culture. Check out some examples of synecdoche in literature and pop culture below:

• William Shakespeare in Julius Caesar: “Lend me your eyes”
• Homer in The Odyssey: “Fifty sails appeared on the horizon”
• Charles Dickens in Oliver Twist: “A pair of sharp eyes were looking at me.”
• The Crown (Series): Crown is used as a synecdoche for the monarchy.
• Suits (TV show): Suits is used as a synecdoche for lawyers and corporate professionals
• Jersey 7: Referring to the player who is wearing a jersey with the number 7 on

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Synecdoche and metonyms are often confused as both involve the substitution of words. But they are not the same. Synecdoce is the substitution based on a part-to-whole or vice-versa relationship. However, metonymy is a substitution based on association or closeness. Check out the table below to know about the difference between synecdoche and metonymy:

Synecdoche v/s Metonymy

You can improve your writing massively by knowing how to use synecdoche. Synecdoche like other literary devices, adds depth and symbolism to your sentences and phrases. Check some key pointers on how to use synecdoche in writing:

Identify the Core Picture

To use the synecdoche correctly, one must first identify the exact image that needs to be painted in the reader/ speaker’s mind. It has to be either a part of something that symbolises the whole or the whole that represents the past. This “core image” must be specific and meaningful enough to carry the intended message across.

Examples:

• All hands on deck = Here, hands are referring to sailors. As hands are the part of the body most associated with active work, asking for all hands to be on deck means the presence of the entire
• The silver screen is alive with colour = In this example, the silver screen is not literally talking about a screen made out of silver. Silver screen is a synecdoche for the film industry, especially films.

Ensure Clarity while Using

It is best when the relationship between the part and the whole or vice-versa is instantly clear since the meaning can be lost if the connection is not immediate, turning the sentence into a confused mess. You must not leave readers confused and thinking what the synecdoche is.

Examples:

• The crown will not take this betrayal lightly = Here, the crown is used as a synecdoche for the monarchy/ ruler. As crowns are so closely related to the King/ Queen, the image is instantly painted in the reader’s mind.
• Will you lend me your ears for a second? = As there is a link between ears and attention, it is clear that the speaker wants the listener to listen or pay attention to what is being said.