What is a simile?

A simile is defined as a figure of speech that explicitly compares two unlike things using the words "like" or "as." This linguistic tool allows writers and speakers to create vivid imagery and make descriptions more relatable by highlighting similarities between the two things being compared. For example, when saying "as brave as a lion," the comparison directly evokes the qualities of bravery associated with lions, thereby enhancing the understanding or emotional impact of the statement.

In contrast, other answer choices do not embody the characteristics of a simile. A descriptive phrase without a comparison lacks the defining feature of a simile, which is the explicit comparison using "like" or "as." A type of metaphor that does not use "like" or "as" describes a different literary device altogether, known simply as a metaphor. Lastly, a rhetorical question that suggests irony does not relate to comparisons at all, as it serves a different purpose in conversation or writing. Therefore, understanding that a simile explicitly relies on the comparative formulation is key to recognizing why the first choice is the correct definition of a simile.