Exploring the Differences Between Simile and Metaphor: A Comprehensive Analysis

The distinction between similes and metaphors has been a subject of linguistic and cognitive inquiry for centuries, rooted in their shared function as tools of figurative language. While both devices facilitate comparisons, they differ fundamentally in structure, cognitive processing, and interpretive outcomes. This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of similes and metaphors, synthesizing theoretical perspectives, empirical studies, and practical applications. Similes, characterized by explicit comparisons using markers such as 'like' or 'as,' enhance clarity and accessibility, making them effective for instructional and descriptive purposes. Metaphors, on the other hand, create implicit equivalences that foster abstraction, emergent meanings, and conceptual reorganization, making them essential for creative and persuasive contexts. The study examines these differences across cognitive dimensions, practical usage, and cultural contexts, highlighting their complementary roles in enriching language, thought, and communication. Future research directions are proposed, including cross-cultural studies, neurocognitive investigations, and advancements in natural language processing to address the complexities of figurative language.

کلیدواژه ها:

figurative language ، simile ، metaphor ، cognitive processing ، rhetorical devices ، analogical reasoning ، comparative analysis