Metaphor and simile are both figures of speech used to make comparisons, but they do so in different ways.
Metaphor: A metaphor directly states that one thing is another, suggesting a symbolic meaning or shared characteristics without using "like" or "as."
Examples of Metaphor:
- "Time is a thief." (This suggests that time steals moments from our lives.)
- "His words were a balm, soothing her wounded heart." (This implies that his words comforted her as a balm would soothe a wound.)
Simile: A simile makes a comparison between two different things using the words "like" or "as."
Examples of Simile:
- "Her smile was as bright as the sun." (This compares her smile to the brightness of the sun.)
- "He ran like the wind." (This compares his speed to that of the wind.)
In summary, metaphors make direct comparisons, while similes use "like" or "as" to highlight similarities.