Final answer:
A simile uses comparison words like "like" and "as" to make a suggested comparison, adding vividness and descriptive power to writing. It is a more poetic and informal figure of speech.
Step-by-step explanation:
A simile, unlike a metaphor, uses comparison words such as "like" and "as" to make a comparison between two seemingly unrelated things. It is a figure of speech that adds vividness and descriptive power to writing. For example, the phrase "the rain fell like bullets" is a simile because it compares the falling rain to bullets, emphasizing the intensity and force of the rain.
Unlike a metaphor, a simile does not assign a new meaning to the subject but rather highlights a suggested similarity between the subject and something else. Similes are often used in poetry and informal writing to create imagery and evoke emotions.
In summary, a simile uses comparison words like "like" and "as" to make a comparison, giving a suggested meaning rather than a literal one. It is a more poetic and informal figure of speech.
Learn more about Simile usage in writing