What is a simile?

A simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two different things by using the words "like" or "as." This technique allows writers and speakers to create vivid imagery and convey emotions effectively by illustrating similarities. For instance, if someone says, "Her smile is like the sun," they are using a simile to compare her smile to the sun, which evokes warmth and brightness.

Using "like" or "as" is important because it clearly indicates that a comparison is being made, making the imagery more relatable and easier to understand for the audience. This distinguishes it from metaphors, which make direct comparisons without these words. In summary, similes are specifically defined by their structure that includes "like" or "as," which helps readers to visualize and understand the qualities being compared.