English Literary Terms Questions Medium
A simile and a metaphor are both figures of speech used in literature to make comparisons, but they differ in their approach.
A simile is a comparison between two things using the words "like" or "as." It explicitly states that one thing is similar to another. For example, "Her smile is as bright as the sun" or "He runs like a cheetah." Similes create vivid imagery and help the reader understand the characteristics or qualities of one thing by comparing it to something familiar.
On the other hand, a metaphor is a direct comparison between two unrelated things without using "like" or "as." It states that one thing is another thing. For example, "Her smile is the sun" or "He is a cheetah on the field." Metaphors are more direct and often used to convey deeper meanings or emotions. They allow the reader to see one thing in terms of another, creating a stronger impact and inviting the reader to interpret the connection.
In summary, while both similes and metaphors are used to make comparisons, similes use "like" or "as" to compare two things, while metaphors directly state that one thing is another.