What defines "metonymy"?

Metonymy is defined as a figure of speech that replaces the name of one thing with the name of something else that is closely associated with it. This technique relies on the relationship between the two entities, where one represents the other due to their connection or association in context. For example, saying "the White House issued a statement" uses "the White House" as a metonym for the U.S. President or the administration, highlighting the concept of association rather than a direct description.

Understanding metonymy is crucial in both literary analysis and everyday language use, as it allows for richer expression and communication by invoking larger concepts or ideas through familiar terms. This makes the correct answer especially relevant in various forms of writing and speech. The other definitions provided do not capture the essence of metonymy accurately, as they either suggest different figures of speech or literary constructs that do not emphasize the associative relationship at the heart of metonymy.