What is a comparison made directly without using 'like' or 'as' called?

The term for a comparison made directly without the use of "like" or "as" is called a metaphor. This literary device creates an implicit analogy between two unrelated things by stating that one is the other, therefore highlighting shared qualities or characteristics. For example, saying "time is a thief" suggests that time steals moments from our lives without using a comparative word such as "like" or "as."

The other terms do not correctly describe this type of comparison. A simile, for instance, specifically employs "like" or "as" to draw comparisons. Personification attributes human qualities to non-human entities, making them relatable in a human context, while a pun involves a play on words often for humorous effect. Each of these terms has its unique definition and application in literature, but none corresponds to the direct comparison characteristic of a metaphor.