an·to·no·ma·sia ( n t -n-m  zh)n. 1. The substitution of a title or epithet for a proper name, as in calling a sovereign "Your Majesty." 2. The substitution of a personal name for a common noun to designate a member of a group or class, as in calling a traitor a "Benedict Arnold." [Latin, from Greek antonomazein, to name instead : anti-, instead of; see anti- + onomazein, to name (from onoma, name; see n  -men- in Indo-European roots).]an to·no·mastic (-mst k) adj.an to·no·masti·cal·ly adv. |
antonomasia
1. the use of an epithet or appellative for an individual’s name, as his excellency.
2. the use of a proper name to express a general idea or to designate others sharing a particular characteristic, as a Rockefeïler. — antonomastic, adj.
See also: Names2. the use of a proper name to express a general idea or to designate others sharing a particular characteristic, as a Rockefeïler. — antonomastic, adj.
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