Now that we know metaphors can be powerful persuasion tools, let’s make sure everyone is on the same page from a definitional standpoint. Common sources of confusion for the metaphorically inclined include the simile and the analogy.
While all three are closely related, it’s smart to understand the differences. The distinctions among metaphors, similes and analogies will also help to underscore why you may want to use one and not the other in certain situations.
Let’s take a look at definitions:
Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech that uses one thing to mean another and makes a comparison between the two. The key words here are “one thing to mean another.” So, when someone says “He’s become a shell of a man,” we know not to take this literally, even though it’s stated directly as if this person had actually lost his internal substance.
Simile
A simile compares two different things in order to create a new meaning. In this case, we are made explicitly aware that a comparison is being made due to the use of “like” or “as” (He’s like a shell of a man). For fun, the next time someone corrects you and says “That’s a simile, not a metaphor,” you can respond by letting them know that a simile is a type of metaphor, just like sarcasm is a type of irony. Resist the urge to be sarcastic in your delivery.
Analogy
An analogy is comparable to metaphor and simile in that it shows how two different things are similar, but it’s a bit more complex. Rather than a figure of speech, an analogy is more of a logical argument. The presenter of an analogy will often demonstrate how two things are alike by pointing out shared characteristics, with the goal of showing that if two things are similar in some ways, they are similar in other ways as well.
Why metaphor?
There are circumstances where either a simile or analogy is the more appropriate vehicle for getting your point across. But coming up with a great metaphor may be your best bet in many situations.
A metaphor carries so much more power than a simile, because it’s direct. Using “like” or “as” to make an open comparison will often diminish the vivid visual you’re trying to paint in the reader’s mind. Likewise, a spot-on metaphor will spark instant understanding for a reader, without the elaboration that an analogy requires.
From here we’ll examine specific ways to use metaphor in your blog posts. Headlines, openings, themes, calls to action and more can all benefit from the use of metaphor, as long as the metaphors don’t suck. We’ll look at ways to avoid that, too.
29 comments... add one
#1 Brett Evans → 05.03.07 at 5:00 pm
I wish I had this information taught to me when I was young and in school.
Bah!!
#2 Peter → 05.03.07 at 5:56 pm
Thanks for the clarification. Clarity is like polishing glass.
#3 Richard → 05.04.07 at 7:26 am
“…as long as the metaphors don’t suck”
Indeed. I hope you cover sporting metaphors in that post…
;)
#4 James → 05.04.07 at 12:10 pm
Funny how all that stuff you thought was so boring in school is now so cool and important.
#5 Roberta Rosenberg → 05.04.07 at 2:30 pm
A simile can be very effective as a set-up to a question, making a nice transition from one thought to the next.
Using Brian’s example:
He’s like a shell of a man. Why? Because (your scintillating illumination here.)
A simile almost begs for further explanation. A metaphor is more emphatic with a “there you are” quality.
#6 Kevin → 05.04.07 at 4:14 pm
I’ve used analogies a lot in my life. Learning the use of metaphors well will help me to still speak creatively, yet keep my audience interested!
#7 Lyndon Antcliff → 05.05.07 at 11:54 am
I love the metaphor like a 5 year old child loves chocolate ice cream with M & M sprinkles.
#8 Rich → 05.05.07 at 10:49 pm
More examples, please, for us of the linguistically deficient… oh, and MORE COWBELLS!
#9 Pat Law → 05.05.07 at 11:01 pm
Using analogies come as second nature for a former Literature student like me. It helps inject a visual in the audiences’ minds. I’m glad I found you. I can only wish I discovered you earlier.
#10 Metaphor, Simile and Analogy: What’s the Difference? « Tons of Fresh News → 05.07.07 at 2:52 am
[…] Simile and Analogy: What’s the Difference? Metaphor, Simile and Analogy: What’s the Difference? Common sources of confusion for the metaphorically inclined include the simile and the analogy. […]
#11 Erika SEO → 05.07.07 at 7:57 am
I agree with Pat Law, who probably clearly points out in one sentence the entire point of this post related to marketing:
“Using analogies…helps inject a visual in the audiences’ minds.”
#12 Rob → 05.07.07 at 11:15 am
I am a metaphor.
#13 .:. smiley’s stuff .:. » Archive » Metaphor, Simile and Analogy: What’s the Difference? → 05.07.07 at 11:50 am
[…] metaphor, just like sarcasm is a type of irony. Resist the urge to be sarcastic in your delivery. read more | digg […]
#14 aMmadz → 05.07.07 at 12:38 pm
‘A metaphor carries so much more power than a simile, because it’s.. straight on the face.. that’s what i love about it!!
#15 Into PR | Weekly Grammaticalness: Analogy, Allegory, Metaphor and Simile → 05.07.07 at 2:58 pm
[…] again I’ll be piggybacking on Copyblogger for this week’s Weekly […]
#16 sohbet → 05.07.07 at 5:33 pm
Using analogies come as second nature for a former Literature student like me. It helps inject a visual in the audiences’ minds. I’m glad I found you. I can only wish I discovered you earlier.
#17 Nish → 05.08.07 at 5:36 am
Am I the only one that thinks that a venn diagram would help explain the relationship.
#18 Momekh → 05.08.07 at 6:50 am
Nice. Like Ice cream.
Wondering how you, bhai saab, would convert the above ’simile’ to a ‘metaphor’, barring the fact that simile is like a metaphor?
#19 Rich → 05.08.07 at 11:34 am
Nish… Venn diagrams… are they still around?
John Forde… I agree wholeheartedly… short enough?
Oh, and… MORE COWBELLS!
#20 clkl → 05.09.07 at 4:03 pm
@Momekh: How about: This blog is the banana split of copyediting?
#21 This Week In SEO - 5/11/07 - TheVanBlog → 05.11.07 at 8:19 pm
[…] Metaphor, Simile and Analogy: What’s the Difference? […]
#22 Motorcycle Guy → 05.13.07 at 7:27 am
I’d like to see more examples of analogies in everyday speech, all I ever think of with analogies is the things on the SAT.
#23 Do Your Metaphors Rock? | Copyblogger → 05.14.07 at 11:31 pm
[…] Metaphor, Simile and Analogy: What’s the Difference? […]
#24 Did Alanis Morissette Get Irony Right? | Copyblogger → 05.21.07 at 7:18 pm
[…] mentioned irony and sarcasm in a recent post, and a reader emailed me bemoaning the inability of some to distinguish between irony and sarcasm. […]
#25 Hostgator » Blog Archive » Metaphor, Simile and Analogy: What’s the Difference? → 05.29.07 at 12:50 am
[…] will also help to underscore why you may want to use one and not the other in certain situations.read more | digg […]
#26 Ten Timeless Persuasive Writing Techniques | Copyblogger → 09.26.07 at 8:11 pm
[…] Metaphors, similes and analogies are the persuasive writer’s best friends. When you can relate your scenario to something that the reader already accepts as true, you’re well on your way to convincing someone to see things your way. […]
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#28 Digg Top OffBeat News of all times » Blog Archive » Metaphor, Simile and Analogy: What’s the Difference? → 10.24.07 at 12:06 pm
[…] read more | digg story […]
#29 Are You Writing With Clarity? | Copyblogger → 11.15.07 at 9:33 pm
[…] Analogies, similes and metaphors work so well because they use an idea the reader already understands to help them comprehend one they don’t. In Do Your Metaphors Rock? Brian provided this piece of advice: If a particular point is difficult to understand, craft a metaphor to smooth it over. When attempting to persuade or sell, identify potential objections and reframe the issue via a relatable metaphor. […]
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