What does the term "simile" indicate in music notation?

The term "simile" in music notation means to continue in the same way or style as previously indicated. This direction instructs the performer to maintain the previous articulation, dynamics, or expression rather than changing anything. For example, if a passage is played staccato and "simile" appears afterward, the performer should continue to play in a staccato manner for the next section without altering the articulation.

In this context, "in the same way" accurately captures the intent of "simile" as it reinforces the idea of consistency in the performance style. The other options, while they might seem relevant to musical performance, do not encapsulate the specific meaning of "simile." "Similar style" is too vague, "to sustain a note" refers to a different instruction, and "to play softly" suggests a specific dynamic level that is not directly related to the concept of continuity implied by "simile."