What distinguishes a simile from a metaphor?

A simile is indeed distinguished by its use of "like" or "as" to make a comparison between two different things. This explicit comparison helps to create vivid imagery and clarify the relationship between the subjects being compared. For example, saying "Her smile was like the sun" directly draws a comparison using "like," making the imagery easy to understand.

In contrast, a metaphor implicitly makes a comparison without using "like" or "as," suggesting that one thing is another. This can create a more powerful or layered meaning, but it does not provide the same clarity that similes often do. Understanding this difference is fundamental in literary analysis and enhances the appreciation of figurative language used in writing.