Simile

A comparison and figure of speech which expresses the resemblance of one thing to another of a different category – usually introduced by as or like. For example:

Ø as white as snow;

Ø dry up like a raisin in the sun;

Ø water as cold as ice;

Ø as sly as a fox;

Ø “Reason is to faith as the eye to the telescope”;

Ø as brave as a lion;

Ø voice as loud as thunder;

Ø milk tasted like pickles;

Ø as clumsy as a walrus,

et cetera

A metaphor is also a comparison and seeks to liken the two things or ideas despite the differences, whereas similes make clear the distinctions between the two ideas notwithstanding their similarities.

A good simile both illustrates and illuminates its subject.

Cf. metaphor and analogy.

(see also: allegory, innuendo, dilemma, irony, sarcasm, definition, language)