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Similes Notes

A simile is a comparison between two unlike things using like or as to show a shared characteristic. Similes emphasize qualities through unusual comparisons that form mental images to increase understanding. Examples show Bob slept like a log to convey a deep sleep and Mary was as busy as a beaver to depict hard work until a project's completion. Commonly used similes compare traits like fits like a glove or as strong as an ox.

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2K views

Similes Notes

A simile is a comparison between two unlike things using like or as to show a shared characteristic. Similes emphasize qualities through unusual comparisons that form mental images to increase understanding. Examples show Bob slept like a log to convey a deep sleep and Mary was as busy as a beaver to depict hard work until a project's completion. Commonly used similes compare traits like fits like a glove or as strong as an ox.

Uploaded by

misschen
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Vocabulary Notes - Similes

Similes
What is a Simile?

A simile is a comparison made between two things that are not alike in
most ways, but are alike in one important way. In a simile, the words
"like" or "as" are used to signal that a comparison is being made
between the two things.

Why Use a Simile?

Speakers and writers use similes to emphasize a certain


characteristic of a thing. The comparison made in a simile is
often unusual. The listener or reader can form a mental image of the
comparison. This increases understanding of what the speaker or
writer is trying to communicate.

Examples of Similes Using Like and As

1. Last night Bob slept like a log.

In this example, slept like a log is the simile, and like is the word
used to signal that a comparison is being made. The two things
being compared are "slept" and "log." A log just lies in one place
and does not move. A mental image of Bob sleeping like a log
would show him lying in one place without moving. This would
bring out that the speaker or writer is saying that Bob had a long,
deep, and undisturbed sleep and not just a nap.

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Vocabulary Notes - Similes

2. Working on her project, Mary was as busy as a beaver.

In this example, as busy as a beaver is the simile, and as is the


word used to signal that a comparison is being made. The two
things being compared are "busy" and "beaver." When building a
dam a beaver keeps busily working until the dam is completed. A
mental image of Mary being as busy as a beaver while working on
her project would show her working very hard. This would bring
out that the speaker or writer is saying that Mary was putting a lot
of effort into her project and would keep working until it was
completed.

Commonly Used Similes

Here are some commonly used similes in which like is used to signal
the comparison:
• fits like a glove

• runs like a deer

• chatters like a monkey

• moves like a snail

• sits there like a bump on a log

• eats like a pig

• swims like a fish

• stood out like a sore thumb

• fought like cats and dogs

• eyes like a hawk

• takes it like a man

• sings like a bird

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Vocabulary Notes - Similes

Here are some commonly used similes in which as is used to signal the
comparison:
• as strong as an ox

• as nutty as a fruitcake

• as good as gold

• as quiet as a mouse

• as clear as a bell

• as bright as day

• as light as a feather

• as dry as a bone

• as deep as the ocean

http://www.how-to-study.com/study-skills/en/language-arts/12/similes/

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