
metaphorical abstraction
Metaphorical abstraction is a cognitive process where we use familiar concepts or experiences to understand more complex or unfamiliar ideas. It involves creating metaphors—comparisons between different things that highlight similarities. For example, saying "time is a river" suggests that, like a river, time flows and cannot be stopped. This helps us grasp the abstract idea of time by relating it to a tangible experience. In general knowledge, metaphorical abstraction allows us to convey complex themes, enhancing understanding and communication by linking new concepts to established ones.