Similes are very common in our daily conversations and the content we read. Similes are one of the most-used literary devices in the English language. But it won’t surprise me that you don’t know the definition of a simile. It’s common for most people to know how to use a literary device yet still completely not be able to define it. To be honest, I always find this very interesting but awkward. Once you know the definition of something (especially a literary device), it’s easier to correctly use it in your writing. In that case, let’s take a look at the definition of a simile before we go deeper and look at more about similes.

The definition of a simile

“What is a simile?” How would you answer that question? Whichever your answer, I hope it sounds almost the same as mine. A simile is a literary device that describes an object or concept by comparing it to another object or concept using the words “like” or “as”.

Some writers may argue that a simile is a type of metaphor. While this is true, there is a significant difference between a metaphor and a simile. Observing their structures, a simile has the structure “X is like Y,” while a metaphor has the structure, “X is Y.” So it is right to say that a simile is a type of a metaphor but it’s wrong to say that a metaphor is a simile or a type of simile.

Examples of common similes include:

Sparkle like diamonds

Works like a charm

Dull as a doorknob

Slept like a log

Light as a feather

Blind as a bat

Cool as a cucumber

Strong as an ox

Cute as a button

Sing like an angel

Mean as a snake

Fast as lightning

Sweet as honey

How similes work

Similes describe one thing by comparing it to another. In their comparison, they use hyperbole or exaggeration for emphasis. For example, a statement like, “The angry bull charged as fast as lightning toward the open fields.” The angry bull may have charged fast toward the open fields, but it certainly wasn’t as fast as lightning. The use of hyperbole in that simile emphasizes that the bull was so fast.

When creating a simile for your comparisons, always ensure that the comparison you are making is sensible and relatable to your audience. Use simple language to ensure your audience perfectly gets your comparison. You should also ensure that your simile paints a picture in your audience’s minds about the situation you are referring to. One more thing, avoid cliches and overused phrases when creating your similies to keep your audience interested in your work.

The uses of similes

To create imagery

This is usually the main purpose of a simile. If you are not trying to create imagery in your writing, then why use a simile? By creating imagery, similes enhance understanding in your audience. For instance, instead of saying, “Her singing is so good.” You can use a simile and say, “She sings like an angel.”

To generate thought and emotion

The comparisons made when using similies can stimulate thoughts in your audience’s minds. Your audience will be tasked with weighing the truth in your statements. This will consequently arouse emotions in them. A good example is William Wordsworth's “Daffodils” (1807): “I wandered lonely as a cloud that floats on high o’er vales and hills.”

Sources
literarydevices.net/simile/

https://www.grammarly.com/blog/simile