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Let’s use this example to understand what a simile is:
Even if you don’t know the definition like the back of your hand, you’ve probably seen plenty of similes. For example:
Similes can make writing more colorful and interesting. If you don’t believe us, ask these famous writers.
As a side note, the word “Ethiop” isn’t exactly politically correct. But Shakespeare didn’t know that when he used it to evoke Juliet’s jeweliness.
That’s pretty lonely.
Don’t defer your dreams, folks. You don’t know what could happen to them.
The above examples represent the height of poetic creation. But similes also boost everyday writing by painting a vivid image in just a few words. Compare these sentences:
The first sentence is relatively bland. But the simile in the second sentence invites the reader to imagine an old-fashioned warship sailing to battle: stately, determined, proud, perhaps with a hint of danger. It characterizes Lois as an imposing figure and hints that she’s planning something big once she gets to the other side of the room.
While a simile makes comparisons with help from like or as, a metaphor states outright that one thing is another thing. It’s important to understand the difference between a metaphor and simile.
To compare these forms of comparisons, here are some examples:
Life is like a box of chocolates. (Simile)
My life is an open book. (Metaphor)
That baby is as cute as a button! (Simile)
Baby, you’re a firework. (Metaphor)
Fun fact: Because they both make figurative comparisons, all similes are metaphors, but not all metaphors are similes. For the most part, keep like and as in mind if you’re on the hunt for similes, and you’ll be set.
Mary Jane Go has been teaching English for over 13 years. She believes that it is very important to learn English and learn it by heart. For her, it's always the right time for a dance party and that hanging out with friends is indispensable.