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simile

noun

/ˈsɪmɪli/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of simile

A figure of speech that compares two unlike things, using the words "like" or "as" to make the comparison.
"The simile 'as strong as an ox' is used to describe someone who is very strong."

Detailed meaning of simile

It is a way to describe something by saying it is similar to something else, making an explicit comparison between the two. For example, "He ran like the wind" is a simile because it compares the way he runs to the wind and it uses the word "like" to make the comparison. Similes can be used to create imagery, to express emotions, and to make comparisons that help readers or listeners to better understand the subject being described. They are often used in literature, poetry, speeches, and everyday language. Similes can be a powerful tool for expression and can help to convey complex ideas in a simple and memorable way. They are often used to make the text more expressive and to make the reader a part of the story.

Example sentences containing simile

1. The simile "as white as snow" is used to describe something that is very white.
2. The simile "as fast as lightning" is used to describe something that is very fast.
3. The simile "as quiet as a mouse" is used to describe someone or something that is very quiet.
4. The simile "as clear as crystal" is used to describe something that is very clear.
5. The simile "as hard as a rock" is used to describe something that is very hard.
6. The simile "as free as a bird" is used to describe someone or something that is very free.

History and etymology of simile

The noun 'simile' has its roots in Latin and can be traced back to the Latin word 'similis,' which means 'like' or 'similar.' This Latin term forms the foundation of the word 'simile,' emphasizing the comparison of two unlike things by using the words 'like' or 'as' to establish a similarity between them. In essence, the etymology of 'simile' reflects its core purpose in language and literature, which is to create vivid and relatable comparisons between disparate elements. This word, with its Latin origins, continues to serve as a fundamental tool in the art of figurative expression, allowing writers and speakers to convey complex ideas and imagery by likening one thing to another.

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Further usage examples of simile

1. The simile "as light as a feather" is used to describe something that is very light.
2. The simile "as bitter as gall" is used to describe something that is very bitter.
3. The simile "as hot as fire" is used to describe something that is very hot.
4. The simile "as cold as ice" is used to describe something that is very cold.
5. The simile "as sweet as honey" is used to describe something that is very sweet.
6. The simile in her poem comparing love to a rosebud about to bloom added an extra layer of emotional depth.
7. He was adept at using similes to illustrate complex concepts, making his lectures infinitely more engaging.
8. In the novel, the author uses a simile to liken the city's skyline to a row of jagged teeth in the moonlight.
9. I often find that similes provide a way to elucidate abstract ideas, making them tangible and relatable.
10. His way of explaining quantum mechanics involved a simile that compared subatomic particles to dancing bees.
11. The teacher asked the students to come up with a simile to describe the ephemeral beauty of a sunset.
12. Using a simile, she compared the rapid changes in technology to the ceaseless flow of a river.
13. Her article began with a vivid simile, likening the aroma of fresh bread to a warm hug.
14. In a gripping simile, the writer compared the passage of time to a river that sweeps everything along.
15. The comedian's use of simile was masterful, comparing awkward social situations to navigating a minefield.
16. The poet's simile, which likened loneliness to a moonlit desert, resonated deeply with readers.
17. When it comes to conveying complex emotions, a well-crafted simile can be worth a thousand words.
18. The protagonist's struggle was made even more poignant through a simile comparing him to a drifting ship.
19. She crafted her speech carefully, using a simile to equate the feeling of hope to a sunrise after a long night.
20. The editor pointed out that a judiciously placed simile can sometimes enhance the impact of an argument.
21. In her travelogue, she used a simile to liken the serenity of the lake to a mirror reflecting the sky.
22. The songwriter employed a simile to compare love's fleeting nature to a shooting star across the night sky.
23. His memoir used a striking simile, comparing his years of struggle to climbing an insurmountable mountain.
24. Using a simile, the documentarian compared the hustle and bustle of the city to a symphony in perpetual motion.
25. The character in the play used a simile to describe his confusion, likening it to a maze with no exit.