What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?

The correct answer highlights the fundamental distinction between a simile and a metaphor. A simile is a figure of speech that explicitly compares two different things by using the words "like" or "as." For instance, saying "her smile is like sunshine" creates a clear comparison that emphasizes the brightness or warmth of her smile. In contrast, a metaphor makes a direct comparison without these connecting words, as in the phrase "her smile is sunshine." This approach implies that her smile embodies sunshine, enhancing the imagery associated with her expression.

Understanding this difference is crucial because it informs how comparisons are used in literature and language, allowing writers to create vivid imagery and convey complex ideas with clarity and emotional resonance.