A simile is characterized by the use of which words?

A simile is a figure of speech that draws a comparison between two different things using specific connecting words, primarily "like" or "as." This linguistic tool is used to create vivid imagery or to clarify an idea by highlighting similarities in a relatable manner. For example, saying, "as brave as a lion" or "she sings like an angel" effectively illustrates a point by equating attributes of one subject to another.

This form of expression helps to enhance descriptions and engage readers or listeners emotionally and visually. The use of "like" or "as" is what distinguishes similes from other types of comparisons, such as metaphors, which may imply an equivalence without these explicit indicators. Understanding this distinction is crucial in grasping the nuances of figurative language in literacy development.