How we change what others think, feel, believe and do |
Simile
Techniques > Use of language > Figures of speech > Simile Method | Example | Discussion | See also
DescriptionA simile is a comparison of two two things, where attributes of one is transferred to the other. ExampleAs deep as the ocean. He look like a fish out of water. You seem as happy as a duck in a deluge. DiscussionWhen trying to describe something, it is often difficult to convey the idea, so stealing attributes of something else where the idea is clear is a way of communicating your idea. A simile is not the same as a metaphor. Simile takes some attribute of the object and applies it to the subject. A metaphor takes all of the attributes of the object and applies them to the subject. The simile says 'A is like B in some way'. The metaphor equates, says 'A is B in all ways' or 'A = B'. Thus: Simile: You are like a dog. Metaphor: You are a dog. Some similes are quite explicit, such as 'as wet as rain', whilst others are less clear, such as 'as wet as a bereft politician'. Similes may be shortened, almost to metaphor, such as 'he was like a sword, reaching right to the real problem.' Others are more specific, 'his mind was like a sword, cutting through irrelevant data to find the real problem.' Similes often use stereotypes, where the comparison is known by common assumption, such as 'He's as honest as a politician'. Ironic reversal can be used to imply the opposite, such as 'as wet as the summer Sahara'.
Classification: Reference See also |
Site Menu |
| Home | Top | Quick Links | Settings | |
Main sections: | Disciplines | Techniques | Principles | Explanations | Theories | |
Other sections: | Blog! | Quotes | Guest articles | Analysis | Books | Help | |
More pages: | Contact | Caveat | About | Students | Webmasters | Awards | Guestbook | Feedback | Sitemap | Changes | |
Settings: | Computer layout | Mobile layout | Small font | Medium font | Large font | Translate | |
You can buy books here |
And the big |
| Home | Top | Menu | Quick Links | |
|
Site Menu |
| Home | Top | Quick Links | Settings | |
Main sections: | Disciplines | Techniques | Principles | Explanations | Theories | |
Other sections: | Blog! | Quotes | Guest articles | Analysis | Books | Help | |
More pages: | Contact | Caveat | About | Students | Webmasters | Awards | Guestbook | Feedback | Sitemap | Changes | |
Settings: | Computer layout | Mobile layout | Small font | Medium font | Large font | Translate | |
| Home | Top | Menu | Quick Links | |
|