Which of the following figures of speech uses words such as like or as to make a direct comparison between to dissimilar things?
A. Simile
B. Cliché
C. Metaphor
D. Personification
http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/lit_terms/
Look up each term here, and let us know what you learn.
The answer certainly is not C,. The definition is definitely not that of a metaphor.
The figure of speech that uses words such as "like" or "as" to make a direct comparison between two dissimilar things is called a simile. To identify the correct answer to your question, you can understand the definitions of each option and then match it with the given description.
A. A simile is a figure of speech that compares two things using the words "like" or "as." This matches the description you provided, so it could be the correct answer.
B. A cliché is an overused expression or idea that has lost its originality or impact. This is not the same as comparing two dissimilar things using "like" or "as," so it is not the correct answer.
C. A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two unrelated things by stating one thing is another. Unlike a simile, it does not use "like" or "as" for the comparison. Thus, it does not match the description you provided, making it incorrect.
D. Personification is a figure of speech that attributes human qualities or actions to inanimate objects or animals. It does not involve comparing dissimilar things using "like" or "as," so it is not the correct answer.
Based on the explanations, it appears that the correct answer to your question is A. Simile.