What is the definition of a metaphor?

A metaphor is indeed defined as a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unrelated things, implying that one thing is another to illustrate a point or create a vivid image. For instance, saying "Time is a thief" suggests that time, like a thief, can steal moments from our lives, even though time and a thief are fundamentally different entities. This comparison operates on an implied connection that allows readers or listeners to understand the attributes of one concept through the lens of another.

In contrast to metaphors, other choices describe different literary and rhetorical devices. The first choice describes a simile, which is similar to a metaphor but specifically uses "like" or "as" to make comparisons. The third option refers to rhetorical devices more broadly associated with persuasion but does not specifically describe a metaphor. Finally, the fourth choice outlines hyperbole, which involves exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally, in contrast to the direct comparatives inherent in metaphors. Each of these alternatives has its unique characteristics that distinguish them from metaphors.