Determine the meanings of similes and metaphors
Key Notes :
Similes and metaphors are figures of speech that compare two things that are not actually alike.
A simile compares two things by saying that one is like the other. Similes often use the word like or as.
My sister runs like a cheetah. The sister’s running and a cheetah’s running are compared using the word like. A cheetah is known for running fast, so the simile means that the sister also runs fast.
The cat’s fur was as dark as the night The cat’s fur and the night are compared using the word as. The night is dark, so the simile means that the cat’s fur is also dark.
A metaphor compares two things by saying that one of them is the other. Unlike similes, metaphors don’t use the word like or as.
The snow formed a blanket over the town. The snow and a blanket are compared without the word like or as. A blanket is a large piece of cloth that completely covers a bed. The metaphor makes the reader imagine that the snow becomes a blanket, covering the town completely.
Using similes and metaphors in your writing can help you create an interesting picture for the reader.
Learn with an example
➡️ What is the meaning of the simile?
Edward’s new toy boat sank like a stone in the pond.
- The toy boat sank really quickly.
- The toy boat sank because it was made of stone.
To work out the meaning of the simile, think what the new toy boat might have in common with a stone.
Stones sink quickly in water, so the simile means that the toy boat also sank quickly.
➡️ What is the meaning of the simile?
The workers hurried around the office like worker ants.
- The workers were exercising.
- The workers were busy.
To work out the meaning of the simile, think what the workers might have in common with worker ants.
Ants are often said to be busy insects, so the simile means that the workers were also busy.
➡️ What is the meaning of the simile?
Just as a mother bear protects her cubs, Millie guarded her team’s goal.
- Millie guarded the goal from a bear.
- Millie guarded the goal fiercely.
To work out the meaning of the simile, think what Millie’s guarding might have in common with a mother bear protecting her cubs.
A mother bear is known for guarding her cubs fiercely, so the simile means that Millie guarded her team’s goal fiercely.
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