What is the correct definition of a simile?

A simile is specifically defined as a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things using the words "like" or "as." This technique is used to create vivid imagery or enhance the meaning of an expression by highlighting similarities between the two subjects being compared. For example, saying "as brave as a lion" or "she sings like an angel" illustrates the use of similes to convey qualities in a relatable and imaginative way.

This distinction is crucial as it differentiates similes from other forms of figurative language, such as metaphors, which also make comparisons but do not use "like" or "as." Understanding this definition is important because it helps in identifying and interpreting similes in literature and everyday language.