Another Word For Meta

Meaning

The word "meta" generally refers to something that is self-referential or self-aware. It comes from the Greek word "μετά," meaning "after" or "beyond." In contemporary usage, particularly in areas like literature or media, "meta" denotes a work that comments on itself or discusses its own nature or creation. For instance, a movie that includes commentary on the filmmaking process or a story that involves characters aware they are in a story could be considered "meta."

Synonyms

• Self-referential
• Self-aware
• Reflexive
• Transcendent

Antonyms

• Literal
• Non-referential
• Direct

Etymology

The term "meta" is derived from the Greek word "μετά," which means "beyond" or "after." It has been adapted into English to describe concepts that transcend their usual boundaries or that analyze their own structure.

Examples

1. The film's meta commentary on the horror genre made it both funny and insightful.
2. In her novel, the author employed meta techniques, allowing the characters to discuss their roles in the narrative.
3. The game introduced meta elements, where players were aware they were participating in a game, leading to unique gameplay experiences.