Meaning & use
simile
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Meanings
nouncountable
A phrase that describes something by directly comparing it to something different, using words such as like or as.
Grammar: Named for the structure: 'as brave as a lion' is a simile, but 'he is a lion' is a metaphor.
Patterns
- a simile for something
- use a simile
'As cold as ice' is a common simile.
The poet used a simile to compare the moon to a coin.
Her essay was full of vivid similes.
noununcountabletechnical
The use of such comparisons as a technique in speech or writing.
Grammar: Used without a to name the device in general: the poem relies on simile.
Patterns
- rely on simile
- use of simile
The poem relies heavily on simile.
Students studied simile and metaphor in class.
Simile helps readers picture an unfamiliar thing.
Word forms
| plural | similes |
|---|
Common combinations
- use a simile
- The writer used a simile to describe the storm.
- vivid simile
- Her vivid simile made the scene come alive.
- simile and metaphor
- We compared simile and metaphor in class.
- familiar simile
- 'Busy as a bee' is a familiar simile.
- poetic simile
- The poem opens with a poetic simile about the sea.
Synonyms and how they differ
- comparison
- Comparison is the general word for pointing out similarities, but a simile is a specific figure of speech.
- analogy
- Analogy is a longer explanation of how two things correspond, usually to make a point or argument, while a simile is a brief image.
- figure of speech
- Figure of speech covers many devices, so a simile is just one type.
- metaphor
- Metaphor says one thing is another without like or as, so it is a related but different device.
Word family
- similar adjective
- like something else, but not identical
- similarity noun
- a quality or feature shared by things
- similarly adverb
- in a like way
- similitude noun
- likeness or resemblance, formal
Commonly confused: simile or metaphor? simile or smile?
simile vs metaphor
A metaphor says something is something else, while a simile says it is like something else.
simile vs smile
Smile is the friendly expression and looks similar on the page, but simile has an extra syllable and a different meaning.
Practice
Which of these is a simile?
Choose one answer.
A simile uses like or as to compare, as in 'as smooth as honey'. The other options are metaphor or personification.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “simile”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.