Similes and Metaphors
Basics on the topic Similes and Metaphors
Similes and Metaphors – Introduction
Similes and metaphors are both considered types of figurative language, so both similes and metaphors can be called figures of speech.
What do Metaphors and Similes do? They are used to compare two things that are not actually alike. They do not have their literal everyday meaning, which means that the reader has to determine what the author is actually trying to say.
Authors often use similes and metaphors in poetry, drama, and prose, to add detail, explain, express emotion, or entertain readers by describing something they can visualize.
Metaphors – Definition
Metaphors compare two things by saying one thing is the other. The word metaphor comes from two Latin words - meta (meaning “beyond”) and phor (meaning “carrying”, so) to determine what the author is trying to say, you must carry the meaning of the word beyond its literal definition.
For example:
In this sentence, the computers are being compared to old dinosaurs, but not because they look like old dinosaurs! To understand the meaning, we need to look beyond the words. What is the author trying to say? Probably, that the computers are very old and slow, just like old dinosaurs!
Similes – Definition
The word simile comes from the Latin word similis, which means “similar” or “like”. Similes compare two things using the words ”like” or ”as”.
For example:
In this sentence, the unicorn is being compared to cotton candy. How do we know it is a simile? Because the unicorn and cotton candy are compared using ”as”.
Similes and Metaphors – Examples
Now let’s practice! Can you determine these similes’ and metaphors' meaning?
- Emma swims like a fish!
- The baby was as cute as a kitten.
- Jim’s heart is pure gold!
- Kate said: “Thank you for helping me with my homework, Mom, you’re a superhero!”
Check yourself: What is the author trying to say here? Emma is a really good swimmer. The baby was extremely cute. Jim is very kind. Kate is especially grateful that her Mom helped her with her homework.
Similes and Metaphors – Lists
There are multiple stories and poems with similes and metaphors, and there are many different examples of each. However, there are some common metaphors and similes, such as ones that compare people to different animals. Check out this list of similes and metaphors below.
| Similes | Metaphors |
|---|---|
| as busy as a bee | a night owl |
| as sly as a fox | a bull in a china shop |
| as quiet as a mouse | an elephant in the room |
| as brave as a lion | a snake in the grass |
| to eat like a bird | a fish out of water |
| like a dog with two tails | to have eagle eyes |
Similes and Metaphors – Summary
Metaphors and similes are both examples of figurative language. They are used to compare two things. Similes use like or as to compare things. Metaphors compare things by saying that one is the other.
Now seeing some metaphors and similes examples and a common similes and metaphors list, you can successfully compare and contrast metaphors and similes and their purposes! When someone asks you questions like “What are 5 examples of a metaphor?” or “What are 10 examples of similes?”, you’ll have the answer! If you want more practice, check out our similes and metaphors worksheets in PDF, as well as our fun similes and metaphors activities!
Want to learn more about figurative language? This interactive video is similes and metaphors, so you will be able to identify them. There are also videos that can teach you about hyperboles, onomatopoeia, and personification. Check out more figurative language with our other videos.
Frequently Asked Questions about Similes and Metaphors
Transcript Similes and Metaphors
"WOW Koko! I can't believe we waited so long to visit Kakadu National Park, this place is amazing! "Too bad Bertha decided to wait outside, this cave even has ancient writings!" "I know! Here it says, 'She shivered. Today was the day she would try to swim for the first time, and she was trembling like a horse who saw a rattlesnake. “You can do this, you’re a rock star,” she told herself. She jumped in and she felt a smile spread as wide as the Australian Outback across her face.' "But the drawing here shows they're talking about a hippo, (...) what's the deal with the rattlesnake and rock star?" Let's help Pip and Koko understand the ancient writings by learning about... Similes and Metaphors Similes and metaphors are figures of speech that compare two things that are not actually alike. As the reader, it is important to determine what the author is ACTUALLY trying to say in a text. These are types of figurative language that authors use to add detail, explain, express emotion, and describe in a way readers can visualize... making it more entertaining! Simile comes from the Latin word 'similis' which means SIMILAR or LIKE and... a simile compares two things using the words "like" or "as". For example, 'the unicorn was as pink and fluffy AS cotton candy'... compares the unicorn's characteristics to cotton candy. This tells us that the unicorn is VERY pink and VERY fluffy! Metaphor comes from the Latin words 'meta', which means beyond, and 'phor' which means carrying. It compares two things by saying one IS the other, and DOESN'T use like or as. That means you must carry its meaning beyond the words you see! For example, 'the computers at school are old dinosaurs'... compares the age of the computers to senior dinosaurs. This tells us that the computers are very old and may not work quickly. Let's identify the similes and metaphors used in the cave's ancient writing and determine the meaning. The writing says: 'she was trembling like a horse who saw a rattlesnake'. Is this a simile OR metaphor? (...) Simile, because the author uses the word LIKE to compare. What is the author trying to say? (...) Since a horse would be very scared to see a rattlesnake, we can conclude that the author is expressing how scared she is to swim. Next, the writing says: 'you can do this, you're a rock star'. Is this a simile OR metaphor? (...) Metaphor, because the author is comparing by stating she IS a rock star. What is the author telling the reader? (...) She is trying to encourage herself to be successful, by calling herself a rock star, which is someone who has reached great success in their rock music career. Last, the writing says: 'she felt a smile spread as wide as the Australian Outback across her face.' Is this a simile OR metaphor? (...) Simile, because the author uses the word AS to compare. What is the author telling the reader? (...) Since the Australian Outback is a huge area, we can conclude that the author is stating she had a big smile and feels happy. Before we follow Pip and Koko as they keep exploring, let's summarize. Remember, (...) similes and metaphors are figures of speech that compare two things that are not actually alike. A simile compares two things using the words like (...) or as. A metaphor compares two things by saying one IS the other and DOESN'T use like or as. While reading, think: what is the author trying to tell the reader? (...) Then, explain in your own words the literal meaning of the phrase. "Oh there you are Bertha! You'll never believe what we just found! Ancient writings that describe a story about a hippo JUST LIKE YOU!" [Koko realizes Bertha wrote everything they saw and Bertha smiles embarrassed/shamefully chuckles]
