It is a common practice to relate or compare two seemingly different ideas or objects with each other on some common grounds because of the similarities they contain. In the English language, there are many ways to relate objects with each other such as simile, metaphor, etc. However, analogy covers most of them. The basic difference is that analogy alongside creating a comparison of two entities provides some explanation also. In short, the analogy is a phenomenon of comparing two things to highlight the identical features shared by them.
“Your efforts in this regard are as useful as arranging the chairs on Titanic.”
With the help of this sentence, you can easily understand the concept of analogy. Here two tasks are compared with each other. But the intention behind this act is to covey that the efforts are completely useless by comparing them to arranging chairs on Titanic (a ship that sank on its first voyage).
The analogy is further classified into several types and figurative analogy is one of them. Figurative language makes the writing more appealing and interesting for the readers using figurative analogies. Whenever you go beyond logical reasoning and your words depict no literal meaning, it means you’re in figurative language.
What is Figurative Analogy?
A figurative analogy is a phenomenon of comparing two things that differ in many aspects but share a common feature. You can’t relate these objects much directly. In figurative analogy, you vividly refer to something instead of saying it directly. In other words, you exaggerate a little bit and compare one thing to the other which are not alike at all. Figurative language, unlike simple words, has the ability to express emotions in a better way.
Examples of Figurative Analogy
Simile, metaphor, and personification are common examples of figurative analogy. Here are some examples.
- The sun is a ball of fire today.
- She is as brave as a lion.
- He was walking slowly like a tortoise yesterday.
- This contract is a big opportunity knocking at his door.
- Sun is playing hide and seek with clouds.
- He is drowning in the sea of fame.
Keep exploring EnglishBix to learn about different types of analogies in English.