simile
- a figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared, as in “she is like a rose.”Compare metaphor.
- an instance of such a figure of speech or a use of words exemplifying it.
Origin of simile
Examples from the Web for similes
Historical Examples of similes
Speaking of similes reminds us that there is one on Broadway.
And in the similes, what pictures from animal life and manners!
The current similes, if not absolutely counterfeit, are quite worn out.
TancredBenjamin Disraeli
We spoke of Homer's similes as illustrative of the Ionic feelings about war.
Short Studies on Great SubjectsJames Anthony Froude
Other similes seemed to have the habit of living in discord.
The World I Live InHelen Keller
simile
- a figure of speech that expresses the resemblance of one thing to another of a different category, usually introduced by as or likeCompare metaphor
Word Origin for simile
Word Origin and History for similes
simile
late 14c., from Latin simile "a like thing; a comparison, likeness, parallel," neuter of similis "like" (see similar). Both things must be mentioned and the comparison directly stated. To Johnson, "A simile, to be perfect, must both illustrate and ennoble the subject."
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.)