Determine the meanings of similes
key notes:
Similes 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.
Using similes in your writing can help you create an interesting picture for the reader.
Learn with an example
🐵 What is the meaning of the simile?
My mother’s hands are like silk.
- The mother’s hands are in silk gloves.
- The mother’s hands are soft.
To work out the meaning of the simile, think what the mother’s hands might have in common with silk.
Silk is soft, so the simile means that the mother’s hands are also soft.
🐵 What is the meaning of the simile?
When Mr Davies started his new job, he was like a child just starting school.
- Mr Davies was going back to school.
- Mr Davies was nervous about starting his new job.
To work out the meaning of the simile, think what Mr Davies going to his new job might have in common with a child starting school.
Children are sometimes nervous about starting school, so the simile means that Mr Davies was nervous about starting his new job.
🐵 What is the meaning of the simile?
The little boy’s shout was like a lion’s roar.
- The little boy’s shout was loud.
- The little boy’s shout was dangerous.
To work out the meaning of the simile, think what the little boy’s shout might have in common with a lion’s roar.
A lion’s roar can be really loud, so the simile means the boy’s shout was loud.
let’s practice!
