What literary device involves an explicit comparison using "like" or "as"?

The correct answer is simile, which is a literary device that involves making an explicit comparison between two different things using the words "like" or "as." This device is effective in creating vivid imagery and allowing readers to see the similarities between otherwise unrelated things, enhancing understanding and expression in literature.

For instance, saying "her smile was like sunshine" creates an immediate visual association for the reader, conveying warmth and brightness. By using "like" in this comparison, the writer clearly signals that a simile is being used, which can evoke emotions and create a more dynamic reading experience.

In contrast, other literary devices do not involve this explicit comparison. A metaphor implies a comparison without using "like" or "as," stating that one thing is another, such as saying "time is a thief." Allusion refers to an indirect reference to a well-known person, place, event, or piece of literature, which does not involve a direct comparison. Personification gives human qualities to non-human entities, such as saying "the wind whispered through the trees," focusing instead on attributes rather than comparisons.