What is the difference between a metaphor and a simile?

A simile is a figure of speech that refers to comparable phrases that are alike in some way (e.g. 'as black as coal'). Contrastingly, a metaphor is a figure of speech that is applied without being the literal truth (e.g. 'he had a heart of gold').  

DO
Answered by Danny O. English Literature tutor

7376 Views

See similar English Literature GCSE tutors

Related English Literature GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How does Shakespeare help us today?/Why does Shakespeare matter?


How can I prepare for a literature exam?


How do I effectively incorporate context into my essay?


How do I analyse unseen poetry?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning