Simile TNPSC English Literature Study Material

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Simile

A simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison, showing similarities between two different things. Unlike a metaphor, a simile draws resemblance with the help of the words “like” or “as”. Therefore, it is a direct comparison.

We can find simile examples in our daily speech. We often hear comments like “John is as slow as a snail.” Snails are notorious for their slow pace and here the slowness of John is compared to that of a snail. The use of “as” in the example helps to draw the resemblance. Some more examples of common similes are given below.

  • Our soldiers are as brave as lions.
  • Her cheeks are red like a rose.
  • He is as funny as a monkey.
  • The water well was as dry as a bone.
  • He is as cunning as a fox.

A significant thing to consider here is that at times simile is drawn without using “as” or “like”. Consider the following example,

“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? / Thou art more lovely and more temperate” (William Shakespeare, Sonnet 18)

In the above example, we see a comparison being drawn between the poet’s darling and “a summer’s day” not using “as” or “like”. However, it is not a metaphor. The use of the word “compare” makes the comparison a simile.

Simile TNPSC English Literature Study Material

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