What is the difference between a metaphor and a simile?

The difference lies in the way each figurative language device makes comparisons. A metaphor directly asserts that one thing is another, thus emphasizing a strong connection between the two unlike things without using any qualifying words like "like" or "as." For example, saying "Time is a thief" suggests that time steals moments from our lives, making a bold and imaginative comparison that does not literally mean time can thieve.

On the other hand, a simile explicitly uses "like" or "as" to draw a comparison between two different things, thereby keeping them distinct but illustrating a similarity. For instance, saying "Her smile is like sunshine" provides a clear, direct comparison while maintaining the individuality of both the smile and sunshine.

Understanding this distinction helps in analyzing poetry, prose, and everyday language, as both devices serve to create vivid imagery and express complex ideas in more relatable terms.