Which term describes a comparison made between two objects or between a person and an object using "like" or "as"?

The term that describes a comparison made between two objects or between a person and an object using "like" or "as" is known as a simile. This literary device explicitly uses these words to highlight similarities between distinct things, making the comparison clear and accessible to the reader. For instance, saying "as brave as a lion" or "like a rose" allows for vivid imagery and easier understanding of qualities by creating mental connections.

In contrast, a metaphor makes a direct comparison without using "like" or "as," suggesting that one thing is another to provide deeper meaning. Hyperbole involves exaggerated statements that are not meant to be taken literally; for example, "I’m so hungry I could eat a horse" emphasizes the extent of hunger rather than making a comparison. Personification attributes human characteristics to non-human entities, such as saying "the wind whispered" to illustrate gentle movement. Each of these choices serves different purposes in language and literature, but the defining feature of a simile is its use of "like" or "as" to draw comparisons.