Which of the following best describes the distinction between synecdoche and metonymy?

The distinction that synecdoche involves parts while metonymy involves associations is fundamental to understanding the two rhetorical devices. Synecdoche is a specific type of figurative language where a part of something is used to represent the whole, or vice versa. For example, saying "all hands on deck" uses "hands" as a part to signify the sailors in their entirety. This highlights the relationship between the part and the whole in a direct, often physical sense.

Metonymy, on the other hand, operates by substituting a word or phrase for another with which it is closely associated, but not necessarily a part of it. For instance, using "the White House" to refer to the U.S. President or their administration utilizes a related term rather than a part thereof. This relationship is typically based on a cultural or contextual connection rather than a component-whole relationship.

By understanding these definitions, the choice correctly captures the essence of how synecdoche and metonymy function in language, clarifying their distinct characteristics based on their respective focus on parts and associations.