PSSA English Language Arts (ELA) Grade 7 Practice Test 2025 – The Complete All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

The term that accurately describes the use of "like" or "as" in a comparison is simile. A simile is a figure of speech that explicitly compares two different things by using connecting words such as "like" or "as" to highlight similarities between them. For example, saying "Her smile was like the sun" conveys a clear comparison, suggesting warmth and brightness by linking the smile to the sun in a vivid way. This technique can enhance imagery in both written and spoken language, making the description more relatable and expressive.

In contrast, hyperbole refers to exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally, while metaphor involves making a direct comparison without using "like" or "as," and personification gives human traits to non-human entities or abstract concepts. Each of these terms serves a different purpose in language and literature, making simile distinct for its specific use of comparative language.