Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH) Practice

What does the term "synecdoche" refer to in literature?

1. Using the whole to represent the part

2. When part of something is used to represent the whole

3. A type of metaphor

4. A rhetorical question

The correct answer is: When part of something is used to represent the whole

The term "synecdoche" refers specifically to a figure of speech in which a part of something is used to represent the whole. This literary device allows writers to convey deeper meanings and evoke stronger imagery by linking specific attributes to broader concepts. For example, saying "all hands on deck" employs synecdoche, as "hands" represents the sailors or crew members, which emphasizes the collective action of the whole group. In literary and rhetorical contexts, synecdoche enriches the text, providing layers of meaning that engage the reader's imagination. This depth is not achieved through the other options, which describe different concepts. For instance, using the whole to represent the part describes a different rhetorical device called metonymy, while a metaphor draws a comparison without using the terms "like" or "as." A rhetorical question, meanwhile, is one posed for effect rather than to elicit an answer. Understanding synecdoche enhances the appreciation of literary techniques and their expressive potential.