simile

[sim-uh-lee]

noun

1. a figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared, as in “she is like a rose.”

2. an instance of such a figure of speech or a use of words exemplifying it.

simile

/ ˈsɪmɪlɪ /

noun

1. 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

1. 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.)

Some similes, such as “sleeping like a log,” have become clichés.

Word History and Origins

Origin of simile¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin: “image, likeness, comparison,” noun use of neuter of similis similar

Word History and Origins

Origin of simile¹

C14: from Latin simile something similar, from similis like

When To Use

What is a simile?

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.