View synonyms for simile

simile

[ sim-uh-lee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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.

simile

/ ˈsɪmɪlɪ /

See metaphor
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 .)

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

Origin of simile¹

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

Origin of simile¹

C14: from Latin simile something similar, from similis like

The matron expressed her entire concurrence in this intelligible simile, and the beadle went on.

The modern simile is that of a donkey between two bundles of hay.

No one can say to himself, “I will now make a good simile,” and straightway fulfill his promise.

A simile is an expressed comparison between unlike things that have some common quality.

Here the simile seems to be as unlike as possible, for the lot could fall only upon one.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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