What is a Metaphor? Learn with Examples

“Dogs are friends of man”. What does this line mean? Do you really think men don't have friends and dogs are their only friends? That's not true. This sentence is quoted as a figure of speech- metaphor. But what is a metaphor? What does it mean? Let's discuss and know more about metaphors today. 

Imagination is what beautifies the writing and speeches. Kids are imaginative creatures and they like to turn everything they come across into extraordinary stories. And with the help of these simple and powerful tools, they create magic.

Figures of speech helps the kids to enhance their writing skills when using them with their imagination. There are many figures of speech that add to the beauty of writing. Some of them are simile, metaphor, personification, alliteration, onomatopoeia etc. Metaphor is the one we are going to discuss in detail today.

METAPHORS 

“Metaphors have a way of holding the most truth in the least space.” - Orson Scott Card

Metaphor is a way to describe something by using comparisons creatively. It makes the language creative and fun for the kids. Kids imagine about different things and while writing can use the metaphors to give the picture a captivating approach.

For example, “the world is a colourful rainbow,” this statement helps us to see the world full of vibrant colours and positivity. 

Metaphor helps kids to enhance their communication skills and make them confident speakers and writers. They can express their feelings and ideas in a playful manner.

Difference between Metaphors and Similes

Metaphors are the way to describe something by using comparisons to create an imaginative view. For example - “The boy is a bear”

Similes are also the way to describe something by using comparisons but by using ‘as’ and ‘like’. For example- “The boy was as sleepy as a bear.”

How to differentiate

It's easy for your kids to differentiate between simile and metaphor. The sentences where comparisons are done without using “as” and “like” are metaphors and the sentences where comparisons are done by using “as” and “like” are similes.

Examples

1. Life is a rollercoaster: This compares life to a rollercoaster to show that it has many ups and downs.

2. The world is a stage: This compares the world to a theater, with people acting out their lives.

3. He is a couch potato: This compares a lazy person to a potato to show they are inactive. 

4. He is a night owl: This compares a person to an owl to describe someone who stays up late. 

5. You are my sunshine: This compares a person to sunshine to show they bring happiness and warmth. 

6. Words are swords: This compares words to swords to suggest they can be used as weapons to hurt others.

Importance of metaphors

Metaphors play a vital role to beautify the sentences through comparisons.

a. It makes the language creative and engaging.

b. Kids can easily express their thoughts.

c. Communication is enhanced through regular usage.

d. Imaginary world and out of the box ideas develop at an increasing rate.

e. Helps the kids to connect with the world by being positive.

f. Last but not the least, it boosts the reading and writing skill.

Conclusion

Metaphors are the helping tool to enhance the creativity. Therefore, kids should be taught to use them in their communication skills. 

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