Understanding the Metaphor in Linguistics

The article shows how in linguistics, the metaphor is treated as a type of semantic derivation within the lexical system. The goal of this article is: (1) to show the main characteristics and complexity of the field dealing with the metaphor in the lexicon as a lexical system; (2) to determine the extent to which the concept of the metaphor in lexicon is defined, as reflected in the findings of individual linguists, and to assess the usefulness of these findings in the analysis of the material; (3) to point out the specific relationship existing between the general notion of the metaphor and the definition of the metaphor in various linguistic theories.