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simile
[sim-uh-lee]
noun
a figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared, as in “she is like a rose.”
an instance of such a figure of speech or a use of words exemplifying it.
simile
/ ˈɪɪɪ /
noun
a figure of speech that expresses the resemblance of one thing to another of a different category, usually introduced by as or like Compare metaphor
simile
A common figure of speech that explicitly compares two things usually considered different. Most similes are introduced by like or as: “The realization hit me like a bucket of cold water.” (Compare metaphor.)
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of simile1
Example Sentences
He once used an unexpectedly shocking simile to denounce what he termed "hypocritical clericalism".
“The simile with the DNA is more a metaphor but in some way, there exists the connection as mentioned for solving paths.”
Later, when asked about his evolution as a coach, Harbaugh described himself as open to change and used a mall-entrance simile to make his point.
His witty similes and graceful prose have arguably done more to open minds to the potential intellectual value of crime fiction than any other writing.
Boras then went into one of his similes and word plays.
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When To Use
A simile is a figure of speech in which two unrelated things are compared to each other, as in Jose was as clever as a fox. Similes compare two things that seemingly have nothing to do with each other but actually share a trait or characteristic, at least according to the user of the simile. In the simile above, Jose is implied to be wily or sly just like a fox that steals chickens from farmers. Similes often use like or as in the comparison, as in Tom’s insults cut like a knife.A simile is very similar to a metaphor, another figure of speech. A metaphor also compares two seemingly unrelated things but, unlike a simile, a metaphor says that something is something else. Often, the difference between a metaphor and simile is a single word. Her life was like an open book is a simile, while Her life was an open book is a metaphor.Similes and metaphors can be used to accomplish the same thing, and it is ultimately up to the writer or speaker which one they’d prefer to use.
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