What is a simile?

A simile is indeed a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things using a word of comparison, such as "like" or "as." This literary device is designed to create vivid imagery and help the reader understand concepts by relating them to familiar things. For example, saying "as brave as a lion" draws a direct comparison that enhances the description of bravery by linking it to the widely recognized courage of lions. This type of figurative language is commonly used in poetry and prose to evoke emotions and clarify meanings by linking known and unknown traits.

In contrast, other choices do not accurately define a simile. The first choice describes a metaphor, which is a direct comparison without the comparative words "like" or "as." The third option pertains to character development and traits, which is unrelated to the definition of simile. Finally, the fourth choice refers to hyperbole, which is an intentional and extreme exaggeration for emphasis, diverging from the concept of comparing two unlike things using specific linking words.