Similes: meaning, definitions and examples

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similes

[ ˈsɪməli ]

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in literature

Similes are figures of speech that compare two different things using the words 'like' or 'as'. They are often used to make descriptions more vivid and to create a stronger connection between the reader and the text.

Synonyms

analogies, comparisons, metaphors

Examples of usage

He ran like the wind.
Her smile was as bright as the sun.
The old man was as wise as an owl.
The water was like glass.
The child's laughter was like music to her ears.

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in everyday language

In everyday language, similes are often used to make comparisons between two unrelated things to emphasize a particular quality or characteristic.

Synonyms

analogies, comparisons, metaphors

Examples of usage

He eats like a horse.
She is as quiet as a mouse.
The car was as fast as lightning.
The baby slept like a log.
The storm raged like a wild animal.

Translations

Translations of the word "similes" in other languages:

🇵🇹 símiles

🇮🇳 उपमा

🇩🇪 Gleichnisse

🇮🇩 simile

🇺🇦 порівняння

🇵🇱 porównania

🇯🇵 直喩 (ちょくゆ)

🇫🇷 comparaisons

🇪🇸 símiles

🇹🇷 benzetmeler

🇰🇷 직유법 (직유)

🇸🇦 تشبيهات

🇨🇿 přirovnání

🇸🇰 prirovnania

🇨🇳 明喻 (míng yù)

🇸🇮 primere

🇮🇸 líkingar

🇰🇿 теңеулер

🇬🇪 შედარებები

🇦🇿 bənzətmələr

🇲🇽 símiles

Word origin

The term 'simile' originates from the Latin word 'similis', which means 'like' or 'similar'. Similes have been used in literature for centuries to enhance descriptions and create vivid imagery. The use of similes can be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman poetry, where poets used them to compare various elements in their works. Over time, similes have become a common literary device used in poetry, prose, and everyday language to make comparisons more engaging and meaningful.