
The simile is a literary device which compares two things with the use of the word “like” or “as.”
When used effectively, the simile helps to breathe life into your writing by painting a brighter, more accurate picture.
The simile, like the analogy, takes advantage of the reader’s previous knowledge of something. For example, it is assumed that everyone would know the whiteness of snow. In the simile, “the girl’s skin was as white as snow,” the writer harnesses the common knowledge of the color of snow to paint a more colorful picture of the girl’s skin.
Here are some similes which can help to animate and color your writing.
- After the sniper was shot, his arm was paining him like a thousand devils.
- He ran as fast as lightning when he saw the dog coming.
- His eyes were as black as the night.
- Her lips were as red as crimson.
- The young laborer was as strong as an ox.
- She is as brave as a lion.
- He is as blind as a bat.
- The little boy is as smart as Einstein.
- My friend is as crazy as a monkey.
- My little sister is as cute as a kitten.
Note: A complete simile compares two things, whereas a bare simile simply states a common object which can be used in a comparison.
Example:
Bare simile: as gentle as a lamb.
Complete simile: The little boy is as gentle as a lamb.
When asked to identify or give an example of a simile, use the complete simile.
What other similes do you know of? Tell us in comments below.
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