How are similes formed in writing?

Similes are formed by comparing two different things using the words "like" or "as." This technique helps create vivid imagery and can make descriptions more relatable and engaging for readers. For instance, saying "as brave as a lion" or "she swims like a fish" allows the writer to indicate qualities of one subject by drawing a comparison to a familiar characteristic of another. This direct comparison is what defines a simile and distinguishes it from other figures of speech, such as metaphors, which do not use "like" or "as." Using similes effectively can enhance the reader's understanding and emotional connection to the text.