What are Similes?

Because Metaphors and similes are often confused, it might be helpful to discuss similes in contrast to metaphors.

• A metaphor substitutes one word for another; a simile uses a preposition (like, as, etc.) to make a comparison between the two words.

In the example on the last page, John and pig were used synonymously. If instead we had written "John is like a pig," it would have been a simile.

Example:

• Metaphor: The electricity is water, flowing through the circuit.
  
• Simile: Electricity flows like water.

What are Analogies?

An analogy makes a comparison directly between the relationship between one set of ideas/concepts and another. It usually takes the form of "A is to B, as C is to D."

Example:

• John is to his desk as a pig is to its sty.

Metaphors, Similes, and Analogies are all figurative language, and can be used to accomplish similar goals. Metaphor is potentially the most powerful, because it directly substitutes one concept for another. To the extent that the two concepts (the topic and the vehicle) are similar, the known concept (the vehicle) can convey a great deal of information about the new concept.

What are Metaphors?

• Metaphor is potentially the most powerful, because it directly substitutes one concept for another.
  
• To the extent that the two concepts (the topic and the vehicle) are similar, the known concept (the vehicle) can convey a great deal of information about the new concept.