Meaning:
* Uruvakam literally translates to "form/shape" or "likeness."
* It refers to a figure of speech where a word or phrase is used to describe something else, creating an implicit comparison.
* It involves using a word or phrase in a figurative sense, not its literal sense.
Example:
* "The sun is a golden ball" is a metaphor because the sun is not actually a ball, but it is being compared to a golden ball to highlight its round shape and bright color.
Other related terms in Tamil:
* உவமை (uvamai) - simile, a direct comparison using "like" or "as."
* அலங்காரம் (alangaram) - ornamentation, a broader term encompassing various figures of speech, including metaphors.
The concept of metaphor is a fundamental aspect of Tamil literature and poetry. It is used to enhance the beauty, depth, and meaning of language, allowing writers to express their ideas in a more vivid and evocative way.