Pronunciation: /ˈsɪməli/

Definitions of simile

noun a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid

Example Sentences

A1 A simile is a figure of speech that compares two things using 'like' or 'as'.

A2 She described the sunset as a simile, comparing it to a painting.

B1 The author used a simile to emphasize the character's strength, comparing him to a lion.

B2 The poet's use of simile added depth to the imagery in the poem, comparing the waves to a restless beast.

C1 The simile used in the novel was so powerful that it stayed with the reader long after finishing the book.

C2 The playwright's masterful use of simile brought a new level of complexity to the characters' interactions.

Examples of simile in a Sentence

formal The poet used a simile to compare the sunset to a golden coin.

informal She explained the concept using a simile about baking a cake.

slang I heard this great simile about love being like a rollercoaster.

figurative His words were like a sharp sword, cutting through the silence with a simile.

Grammatical Forms of simile

past tense

similed

plural

similes

comparative

more similar

superlative

most similar

present tense

similes

future tense

will simile

perfect tense

have similed

continuous tense

is similing

singular

simile

positive degree

similar

infinitive

to simile

gerund

similing

participle

similed

Origin and Evolution of simile

First Known Use: 1390 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'simile' originates from the Latin word 'similis' which means 'like' or 'similar'.
Evolution of the word: The use of similes has been a common literary device since ancient times, but the term 'simile' as we know it today was first recorded in English in the late 14th century. Over time, the use of similes has evolved to become a fundamental aspect of poetry and prose, allowing writers to create vivid and imaginative comparisons between different objects or ideas.