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luminous metaphor

Device
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A metaphor that conveys illumination, clarity, or transcendence through associations with light, radiance, or brilliance.

Detailed Definition
Luminous metaphor is a striking, image-rich comparison that evokes vivid sensory or spiritual illumination, often transforming abstract ideas into radiant, tangible experiences; such metaphors—like those in Rilke or Hopkins—fuse perception and transcendence, making the invisible glow with symbolic or emotional intensity.
Example
Example in poetry:
luminous metaphor (A metaphor that connects the subject to a source of light, clarity, or intense radiance, often implying insight or spiritual awakening); "Her mind was a sunburst after years of cloud"; "His truth shone like a lighthouse beam"
Additional Notes
A highly evocative and striking comparison that suddenly illuminates the subject with intense clarity, often surprising the reader; a vivid and powerful form of conceit or illuminated image.
Also Known As
Radiant metaphor Shining metaphor Illuminated comparison Auric metaphor radiant comparison Solar imagery
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