Final answer:
A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using 'like' or 'as.' It's a form of figurative language that helps create vivid images and express ideas by drawing parallels between distinct entities without stating they are the same.
Step-by-step explanation:
A simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things using the words 'like' or 'as'. It is a form of figurative language that expresses an idea through the explicit comparison. For instance, the sentence 'Her smile is like the sun' compares a smile to the sun, suggesting brightness or warmth. This comparison helps create a vivid image for the reader or listener.
Unlike metaphors, which assert that one thing is another, similes maintain the separation between the two compared entities using comparison words. Also, in contrast to hyperbole, which is an extreme exaggeration, similes simply create an analogy. When we say 'She is as brave as a lion,' we are not saying she is a lion, but that her bravery is comparable to that of a lion.
An example of a simile from poetry is Robert Burns' line from 'A Red, Red Rose': 'O my Lu_ve is like a red, red rose,' which not only assures the simile creates a specific image but also makes the connection between the narrator's love and the qualities of a rose. This results in a richer and more engaging way to communicate emotions and imagery.