{"id":564468,"date":"2023-08-12T14:57:27","date_gmt":"2023-08-12T12:57:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scribbr.nl\/?p=564468"},"modified":"2023-10-26T11:34:20","modified_gmt":"2023-10-26T09:34:20","slug":"simile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scribbr.com\/rhetoric\/simile\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Simile? | Meaning, Definition & Examples"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"What<\/a><\/div>\n
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A simile<\/strong> is a rhetorical device used to compare two things using the words \u201clike,\u201d \u201cas,\u201d or \u201cthan.\u201d<\/p>\n

Similes can be used to create vivid imagery or to draw surprising connections between two unrelated things. They\u2019re commonly used in literature, advertising, and everyday speech and are closely related to metaphors and analogies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Examples: Similes<\/figcaption>Anthony used to<\/a> be as strong as an ox<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Her phone buzzed like a beehive<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The dancer was as graceful as a swan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Your laughter is like music to my ears<\/strong>.<\/figure>\n

<\/p>\n

What is a simile?<\/h2>\n

A simile is a comparison that uses the words \u201clike,\u201d \u201cas,\u201d or \u201cthan.\u201d<\/p>\n

Similes are used to emphasize or exaggerate a specific quality of one thing by comparing it to something else. Similes are effective because they \u201cshow\u201d rather than \u201ctell\u201d (i.e., they use descriptive language to convey an idea instead of stating it as fact).<\/p>\n

Examples: Similes<\/figcaption>Mary is as stubborn as a mule<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The child moved through the room like a tornado<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

His tongue is sharper than a sword<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The protagonist\u2019s<\/a> heart beat like a drum<\/strong>.<\/figure>\n

Similes are commonly used in literature, speeches, advertising, and everyday<\/a> speech. They can be used to create vivid images and to make surprising connections between two dissimilar things. However, they should be avoided in formal contexts like academic writing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Note<\/figcaption>Not all comparisons that use \u201clike,\u201d \u201cas,\u201d or \u201cthan\u201d are similes. While a simile<\/span> is used to make a figurative comparison between two dissimilar things or things of a different type, other comparisons may be literal<\/span>:<\/p>\n

You look like your father<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

You look like a million bucks<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m as fast as you<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m as fast as lightning<\/span><\/strong>.<\/figure>\n

Simile vs. metaphor<\/h2>\n

Similes and metaphors<\/a> are both used to make a comparison between two unlike things. However, they have different functions:<\/p>\n