What distinguishes a metaphor from a simile?

A metaphor distinguishes itself by making a direct comparison between two unlike things without the use of "like" or "as." This means that a metaphor asserts that one thing is another, creating a stronger and more implicit connection between the two items. For example, saying "Time is a thief" suggests that time, like a thief, takes away moments from our lives, without explicitly using comparative language. This direct method allows for a more vivid and imaginative expression, as it invites the reader to explore deeper meanings and associations.

In contrast, a simile explicitly uses "like" or "as" to illustrate the comparison between two different things, making the relationship clearer and often more straightforward. The other options misrepresent the definitions of similes and metaphors, leading to confusion about their distinct poetic functions. Thus, understanding the nature of metaphor helps to appreciate the nuances of figurative language in literature.