1. A comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification.
2. A correspondence or partial similarity.
3. A thing that is comparable to something else in significant respects.
Have you ever listened to a conversation?
Everything we try to describe has to be related to something else as a reference. If the reference is not understood, the speaker is frustrated to finding another analogy.
Are we so bad at describing items, experiences, thoughts or feelings we must find an analogy?
If you see a flower, how do you relate what it looks like to another (no, phone photos don’t count)? How do you relate your experience of the scent of a flower? “It was like…”
Our conversations should be our personal thoughts rather than a reference library of television shows or movies, books, music… that the listener may/or may not know.
“Have you been to Spain?” Then I won’t reference my experience there.
“Have you heard Iggy Pop?” Then I won’t compare this music to what he sings.
“Have you been messing with the bees?” If you laugh you understand the message and get the point.
Have you danced ballet? Have you ridden a horse? Have you eaten calamari? Have you eaten chitterlings? Have you fallen in love?
Do you drive? Do you play music? Do you have children?
Are you religious? Are you married? Are you employed? Are you on parole?
There is so much to know about the listener before making an analogy.
Did you watch “Game of Thrones”? Have you read H.P. Lovecraft? Do you remember Dylan before he went electric?
You know, it’s like that.
