Abstract: Metaphor is a research topic which modern linguistics and many other subjects follow with interest. It is no longer only treated as a rhetorical means and a linguistic phenomenon,but as a way of thinking. It participates and reflects the cognitive process of mankind. Cognitive and context are the very important factor in understanding metaphor,especially cognitive context. After clarifying the nature and semantic features of metaphor,this paper mainly elaborates the role of cognitive context in understanding metaphors from words,sentences,discourse,and culture.

Key words: cognitive context, metaphorical meaning, understanding