Ikha Fradita Nitami: Mei 2016

Senin, 30 Mei 2016

Simile

Simile Definition

A simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison, showing similarities between two different things. Unlike a metaphor, a simile draws resemblance with the help of the words “like” or “as”. Therefore, it is a direct comparison.

We can find simile examples in our daily speech. We often hear comments like “John is as slow as a snail.” Snails are notorious for their slow pace and here the slowness of John is compared to that of a snail. The use of “as” in the example helps to draw the resemblance.

Some more examples of common similes are given below.

Our soldiers are as brave as lions.
Her cheeks are red like a rose.
He is as funny as a monkey.
The water well was as dry as a bone.
He is as cunning as a fox.

Simile inputs vividness into what we say. Authors and poets utilize comparisons to convey their sentiments and thoughts through vivid word pictures like a simile.

Similes can be found just about anywhere; from the printed word to oral conversation; in language, literature, and music. A simile is a figure of speech that compares two things that are alike in some way. To help you identify a simile versus a metaphor, know that the words “like” or “as” are typically used in a simile.

Well-known similes are:

“cute as a kitten,” comparing the way someone looks to the way a kitten looks

“as busy as a bee” comparing someone’s level of energy to a fast-flying bee

"as snug as a bug in a rug" comparing someone who is very cozy to how comfortable a bug can be in a rug

"as happy as a clam" comparing someone's happiness to the contentment of a clam

"Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get." comparing the uncertainty of life to the uncertainty of choosing a chocolate from a box

"as agile as a monkey" implying someone can move as well as a monkey does

"as black as coal" comparing the color of something dark to the very-dark coal color

"as blind as a bat" indicating that the person cannot see any better than a bat

Similes Add Depth to Language

Similes can make our language more descriptive and enjoyable. Writers, poets, and songwriters make use of similes often to add depth and emphasize what they are trying to convey to the reader or listener. Similes can be funny, serious, mean, or creative.

Following are some examples of similes:

My love is like a red, red rose.

You were as brave as a lion.

They fought like cats and dogs.

He is as funny as a barrel of monkeys.

This house is as clean as a whistle.

He is as strong as an ox.

Your explanation is as clear as mud.

Watching the show was like watching grass grow.

That is as easy as shooting fish in a barrel.

This contract is as solid as the ground we stand on.

That guy is as nutty as a fruitcake.

Don’t just sit there like a bump on a log.

That went over like a lead balloon.

They are as different as night and day.

She is as thin as a toothpick.

Last night, I slept like a log.

This dress is perfect because it fits like a glove.

They wore jeans, which made me stand out like a sore thumb.

My love for you is as deep as the ocean.

I am so thirsty, that my throat is as dry as a bone.

As bold as brass

As bright as a button

As shiny as a new pin

As cold as ice

As common as dirt

As cool as a cucumber

As hard as nails

As hot as hell

As innocent as a lamp

A large as life

A light as a feather

As tall as a giraffe

As tough as nails

As white as a ghost

As sweet as sugar

References

http://literarydevices.net/simile/

http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-similes.html

Senin, 23 Mei 2016

Idioms and Symbol Reference

Idiom Definition

The term refers to a set expression or a phrase comprising two or more words. An interesting fact regarding the device is that the expression is not interpreted literally. The phrase is understood as to mean something quite different from what individual words of the phrase would imply. Alternatively, it can be said that the phrase is interpreted in a figurative sense. Further, idioms vary in different cultures and countries.

Common Idioms

Some idioms are used by most people that speak English; others are used by a more select group.

Common idioms that refer to people include:

A chip on your shoulder - means you are holding a grudge
High as a kite - means you are drunk or on drugs
Sick as a dog - means you are very ill

Idioms that refer to your actions would be:

Rub someone the wrong way - meaning to annoy or bother
Jump the gun - would mean to be doing something early
Pay the piper - means you need to face the consequences of your actions

Some idioms use color words to convey other meanings. For example, there are several that use the word “blue:”

“The blues” can refer to both a style of music and feeling sad.
If something occurs rarely, it is said to happen “once in a blue moon”, because a blue moon is two full moons in one month, which doesn’t happen often.
“Out of the blue” means something happens that was unexpected.

Idioms In the Arts

There are many idioms in the field of music.

If you “fine tune” something, you make small improvements to it.
“Changing your tune” means changing your mind.
If you are “whistling Dixie” or “whistling in the dark” you are overly positive about something.
If you try and make a decision too early without knowing all the facts, people may tell you that “it’s not over ‘till the fat lady sings.”

Drama and dance have idioms, too, like:

“Break a leg” means good luck.
If you are a “ham” you overact.
If you say, “it takes two to tango” you mean that more than one person is at fault or involved.
If you “tap dance” your way out of a sticky situation, then that implies that you get out of it in a clever way.
Being “in the spotlight” means you are the center of attention.

Remember, a group of people with shared interests such as the arts or business will have their own idioms. As with all idioms it will be easier to understand the idioms if you concentrate on what is being said and ask questions about the meanings of the idioms.

Symbol Reference

Reference Symbols and Punctuation: The asterisk, dagger, paragraph mark, section mark, and star must be represented by the symbols listed below; English braille symbols must not be used. Some of these signs are also used as signs of operation. However, when used as reference symbols, they must be transcribed in accordance with the following rules.

A reference symbol or numeral printed in a superscript position must not be shown as a superscript in braille. Reference symbols must be punctuated mathematically.