Which term is used for non-literal language use?

The term that refers to non-literal language use is metaphor. A metaphor involves describing one thing in terms of another, allowing for the establishment of a relationship or connection that goes beyond the literal meaning of words. It highlights similarities between two different concepts, often to evoke a vivid image or a deeper understanding. For example, saying "time is a thief" implies that time steals moments from us, which is not a literal assertion but conveys a significant truth about the fleeting nature of time.

Other terms like alliteration, analogy, and simile serve different purposes in language. Alliteration focuses on the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginnings of words, enhancing the musical quality of language without necessarily conveying non-literal meaning. An analogy is a comparison between two things for the purpose of explanation, often involving literal and abstract ideas. A simile, though similar to a metaphor in that it also creates comparisons, explicitly uses "like" or "as" to draw the connection, maintaining a closer tie to the literal meanings. Thus, metaphor stands out distinctly as the term dedicated to non-literal language, making it the correct choice.