Which of the following best defines a simile?

A simile is best defined as a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two different things using the words "like" or "as." This device is commonly used in literature and everyday language to create vivid imagery or enhance descriptions. By explicitly using these comparative terms, similes provide a clear connection between the two items being compared, helping the reader or listener to understand the comparison more easily.

While the definition offered in the answer relates to metaphors, which can imply comparisons without overtly stating them, a true simile is distinct in its requirement to use "like" or "as." In this context, the other options do not accurately represent the definition of a simile: direct comparisons without "like" or "as" refer to metaphors; exaggerations for emphasis are known as hyperboles; and contradictory statements that reveal truths are paradoxes. Therefore, recognizing the precise characteristics of a simile is crucial for effectively using this literary device.