Simile

Noun

Definition: 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.

Synonyms: Analogy, Metaphor, Figure of speech

Antonyms: Literal

Examples:

Her smile was as bright as the sun.
The waves crashed against the shore like thunder.

Mnemonics:

Simile starts with "s" and so does "comparison."
Think of "similar" to remember simile.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "simile" comes from the Latin word "similis," meaning "like" or "similar."

Historical Usage:

Similes have been used in various literary works and are a common rhetorical device in both ancient and modern writing.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Like a needle in a haystack"

Explanation:

Refers to something that is extremely difficult or impossible to find.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing simile with metaphor.

Explanation:

While both simile and metaphor involve making comparisons, simile uses "like" or "as" to make the comparison explicit, whereas metaphor directly states that one thing is another.