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Zoomorphic 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 likens a person, object, or abstract concept to an animal or animal traits, enriching description with instinctual, behavioral, or symbolic associations.

Detailed Definition
Zoomorphic metaphor attributes animal qualities to humans or inanimate objects to convey instinct, behavior, or symbolic traits; it draws on cultural or biological associations (e.g., fox = cunning) to enrich characterization or thematic depth.
Example
Example in poetry:
Metaphor attributing animal traits: “Her eyes—hawk-sharp, scanning lies”; “He moved with panther silence”; “My heart barks at every shadow”; zoomorphic metaphor deepens characterization; blends human and beast for emotional truth.
Additional Notes
Zoomorphic metaphor: A metaphor that attributes animal characteristics to humans or objects (e.g., “a wolf in sheep’s clothing”); evokes instinct, wildness, or transformation; contrasts with anthropomorphism.
Also Known As
Animal metaphor Beast imagery Creature comparison Animalistic figure
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