Theory of Conceptual Metaphor

The Theory of Conceptual Metaphor suggests that we understand abstract ideas by relating them to more familiar, concrete experiences. For example, we often talk about time as a resource ("spend time," "save time") or argument as war ("attack a position," "defend an idea"). These metaphors shape how we think and communicate about complex concepts by framing them in terms of everyday physical or sensory experiences, making abstract ideas more relatable and easier to grasp. This theory highlights how language and thought are interconnected, with metaphors serving as cognitive tools for understanding the world.