Learn English – What do you call a word that’s been used unusually (not according to definition)

figures-of-speechmetaphors

For example, when you say:

They smelt music

or

He forged a meaning out of it

According to dictionary definitions, the word choices in the above sentences might not fit. The usage is more figurative. Is there a word that describes this?

Best Answer

That is a figurative usage of terms:

  • of words, language, etc. : used with a meaning that is different from the basic meaning and that expresses an idea in an interesting way by using language that usually describes something else : not literal

(M-W)

Also metaphoric:

  • A figure of speech in which a word or phrase that ordinarily designates one thing is used to designate another, thus making an implicit comparison, as in "a sea of troubles" or "All the world's a stage" (Shakespeare).
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