What literary device compares two things using "like" or "as"?

The correct answer identifies a simile, which is a literary device that explicitly compares two different things by using the words "like" or "as." This method helps create vivid imagery and allows readers to understand a concept or quality by relating it to something familiar. For instance, saying "as brave as a lion" draws on the well-known qualities of a lion to emphasize bravery in a clear and relatable way.

In contrast, a metaphor does not use "like" or "as"; instead, it directly states that one thing is another, which can lead to a more implicit understanding of the comparison. Personification attributes human characteristics to non-human subjects, bringing them to life in a different way. Finally, imagery involves descriptive language that appeals to the senses but does not necessarily compare two things. Each of these devices serves different purposes in writing, but when the comparison is made using "like" or "as," it is specifically a simile.