Mississippi Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What is a metaphor?

1. A direct comparison between two unlike things

2. A type of morpheme used in poetry

3. A literal description of a concept

4. A figure of speech replacing a literal description

The correct answer is: A figure of speech replacing a literal description

A metaphor is a figure of speech in which one thing is described as if it were another, without using the words "like" or "as," which distinguishes it from similes. This literary device allows for a more vivid and imaginative expression of ideas by highlighting similarities between two unlike things, enabling deeper understanding and emotional resonance. For example, saying "Time is a thief" suggests that time steals moments from our lives, creating a powerful image that conveys the inexorable passage of time in a way that literal language cannot. This aspect of metaphor enriches language, making it a vital tool in poetry and literature, allowing writers to communicate complex ideas more effectively. The other choices do not encapsulate the essence of a metaphor as accurately. A direct comparison between two unlike things implies a simile, while a type of morpheme pertains to word structure and meaning rather than figurative language. A literal description lacks the creative connections made by a metaphor, and does not convey the layered meanings that metaphors often do. Therefore, the definition that describes metaphor as a figure of speech replacing a literal description is the most accurate and comprehensive.