Which of the following best defines a simile?

• A. A simile uses like or as to compare; a metaphor makes a direct comparison without using like or as.
• B. A simile uses metaphors rather than direct comparisons.
• C. A simile and a metaphor are the same thing.
• D. A simile must not use any linking words.

Answer: (A)

A simile signals a comparison by using the words like or as to link two things that aren’t alike. For example, saying someone is “as brave as a lion” clearly shows a comparison through the linking word. A metaphor, in contrast, makes a direct claim that one thing is another, without using like or as—“she is a lion” treats bravery as a lion. So the best definition is that a simile uses like or as to compare, while a metaphor makes a direct comparison without those words. The other statements misstate this distinction or the use of linking words.