word

Image Schema

IM-ij SKEE-muh

/ˈɪmɪdʒ ˈskiːmə/

Listen

Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.

Syllable breakdown

imageschema

Dictionary meaning

A recurring dynamic pattern of bodily experience (such as CONTAINER, PATH, BALANCE, FORCE) that structures abstract thought and language. Central to embodied cognitive linguistics.

Examples

The CONTAINER image schema underlies expressions like 'in trouble', 'out of luck', and 'filled with joy'.

Synonyms: kinesthetic image schema, embodied schema

Learn one new pronunciation a day

Get a word, name or idiom like “Image Schema” in your inbox — daily or weekly, free. Unsubscribe any time.

Something wrong? Suggest a correction