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.” Compare metaphor.
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 .)

Notes

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

Example Sentences

“The simile with the DNA is more a metaphor but in some way, there exists the connection as mentioned for solving paths.”

From Salon

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.

From Los Angeles Times

Mario Cuomo over the grammatical difference between a simile and metaphor.

From Seattle Times

Second row Samuel Slade's simile, comparing his team's ability to adapt to a pokemon, was the most audacious attempt and when the poker faces started to slip.

From BBC

Pardon the grotesque simile, but the knowledge base of a typical LLM is like a huge hairball; the LLM may pull strands from Wikipedia, Tumblr, Reddit, and a variety of other sources without distinguishing among them.

From Slate