What is a metaphor?

A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn't literally true but helps explain an idea or make a comparison. Specifically, a metaphor implies that one thing is another to highlight a similarity between the two, without using connecting words such as "like" or "as." This technique is effective in literature and everyday language because it creates vivid imagery and deepens understanding by drawing connections between seemingly unrelated concepts.

For example, saying "Time is a thief" suggests that time steals moments from our lives, painting a picture of time's effects without explicitly stating the comparison in a way that relies on "like" or "as." This kind of direct comparison enhances the strength of the expression by inviting the audience to think more deeply about the relationship between the two ideas.

The other options describe different linguistic devices: a simile involves comparisons using "like" or "as," onomatopoeia refers to words that imitate sounds, and alliteration focuses on the repetition of initial sounds in a series of words. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why a metaphor specifically is characterized by the absence of those comparative structures.