Which phrase defines "simile" best?

giving human qualities to an idea or an inanimate object

a comparison between two unlike things using like or as

a direct comparison between two things; saying one thing is the other

a direct address to an inanimate object or deceased person as if it could respond

The answer is a comparison between two unlike things using like or as

Simile refers to a comparison between two unlike things using like or as. For example: he is like a lion, meaning that there is something in him that reminds people of lions, be it his characteristics, his hair, etc.

The first option refers to personification; the third one is metaphor; the final one is apostrophe.