metónymia

Metonymy is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely associated. It is a type of figurative language where the name of an attribute or a related thing is substituted for the thing itself. Unlike metaphor, which involves a direct comparison between two dissimilar things, metonymy relies on association or contiguity.

Common examples of metonymy include using "the crown" to refer to the monarchy, "Hollywood" to represent the American film industry, or "the press" to signify journalists and the media. The association can be one of cause and effect, container and contained, or part and whole. For instance, saying "Washington" to mean the United States government is an example of metonymy, where the place is associated with the institution it houses. Similarly, "suits" can be used to refer to business executives, evoking the attire associated with their profession.

Metonymy is a frequent feature of everyday language and literature, often employed to add conciseness, emphasis, or a degree of subtlety to communication. It can also be used to avoid repetition or to create a more vivid image in the reader's or listener's mind by focusing on a prominent aspect of the subject. The effectiveness of metonymy often depends on the shared understanding between the speaker or writer and the audience regarding the established association.