Define "metaphor."

Define "metaphor."

• A. A figure of speech that exaggerates
• B. A figure of speech that compares two things without using "like" or "as"
• C. A figure of speech that uses rhymes
• D. A figure of speech that gives human traits to non-human things

Answer: (B)

A metaphor is indeed defined as a figure of speech that compares two unlike things directly, without employing "like" or "as," which distinguishes it from similes that do use those terms for comparison. This direct comparison suggests that one thing is another, thereby highlighting similarities in a more implicit, imaginative way. Metaphors are often used in literature and everyday language to create vivid imagery and convey deeper meanings, allowing the reader or listener to gain insight into shared qualities between seemingly disparate concepts. For instance, saying "time is a thief" suggests that time steals moments from our lives, capturing a complex idea in a simple phrase. This powerful tool enhances expression and adds richness to language.

A metaphor is indeed defined as a figure of speech that compares two unlike things directly, without employing "like" or "as," which distinguishes it from similes that do use those terms for comparison. This direct comparison suggests that one thing is another, thereby highlighting similarities in a more implicit, imaginative way. Metaphors are often used in literature and everyday language to create vivid imagery and convey deeper meanings, allowing the reader or listener to gain insight into shared qualities between seemingly disparate concepts. For instance, saying "time is a thief" suggests that time steals moments from our lives, capturing a complex idea in a simple phrase. This powerful tool enhances expression and adds richness to language.