Simile Figure of Speech: Meaning, Definition and Examples

SIMILE

---

• INTRODUCTION

The word “simile” comes from the Latin word “similis” which means likeness. A simile is statement of likeness between two different things or actions. It consists of placing two different things side by side and comparing them with regard to some feature common to both. In other words when two dissimilar things are compared in one aspect where they are similar is called simile.

• For Example;

“Rana Pratap was like a lion”

In this simile “Rana Pratap” is compared to a lion. Now, Rana Pratap and lion are different but are alike in possessing one feature in common namely “Courage“.

• ELEMENTS OF SIMILE:

Every simile, thus must have two essential elements;

(1) The things, person or actions must be different.

(2) The point of similarity between the two things compared must be clearly stated.

That’s why a simile is always introduced by such words as, “Like, As, So”

• MORE EXAMPLES:

1) “The bride hath paced into the hall,
Red as a rose is she”

2) “My love is like a red red rose.”

3) ” Life is as tedious as a twose told tale.”

• There are some common similes of everyday speech.

1). As old as the hills

2). As pure as gold

3).As Sure as death

• KINDS OF SIMILE:

There are two Kinds of Simile:

(1) SIMPLE SIMILE:

In a simple simile, the resemblance between two different things is expressed briefly and directly without enlargement.

(2) EPIC SIMILE:

An epic simile is used to compare as in a simple simile, two dissimilar things or objects but the point of likeness is elaborated to such an extent as to give birth to a short descriptive poem in itself. This type of simile is also known as the “Homeric Simile“. Milton makes use of epic simile in his “Paradise Lost“.