like
like
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "like" is /laɪk/.
/laɪk/
Word Form Variations
Verb: like (base form), likes (third person singular present), liked (past simple, past participle), liking (present participle)
Adjective: like (no comparative/superlative forms, as it's typically used to mean "similar to")
Preposition: like
Conjunction: like
Noun: like (singular), likes (plural)
Adverb: like (informal, as in "like, totally")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb
Definition 1: To find something or someone agreeable, pleasing, or satisfactory; to have a preference for.
Synonyms: enjoy, appreciate, prefer, approve of, fancy
Antonyms: dislike, hate, loathe, detest, abhor
Definition 2: To wish for or want (usually followed by an infinitive or noun clause).
Synonyms: want, wish, desire, feel inclined to
Antonyms: disinclined, reluctant, averse to
Definition 3: To be fond of or attracted to (a person); to have romantic feelings for.
Synonyms: fancy, be attracted to, have a crush on, adore (stronger)
Antonyms: dislike, be repulsed by, hate
Adjective
Definition 1: Similar to; having the same qualities or characteristics as.
Synonyms: similar, akin, resembling, comparable, equivalent
Antonyms: unlike, dissimilar, different, opposite, distinct
Preposition
Definition 1: In the same way as; similar to; resembling.
Synonyms: similar to, akin to, resembling, as if
Antonyms: unlike, dissimilar to, in contrast to
Definition 2: Such as; for example (used to introduce an example or examples).
Synonyms: such as, for instance, for example, including
Antonyms: excluding, unlike
Conjunction
Definition 1 (informal): In the same way as; as if (often used informally as a conjunction in place of "as" or "as if").
Synonyms: as if, as though, in the way that
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for this informal usage as a conjunction)
Noun
Definition 1: (Often in the plural "likes") A preference or fondness for something.
Synonyms: preference, fondness, taste, predilection, partiality
Antonyms: dislike, aversion, distaste, hatred
Definition 2: A positive reaction or endorsement, especially on social media.
Synonyms: approval, thumbs-up, endorsement, positive reaction
Antonyms: dislike, disapproval, downvote, negative reaction
Adverb
Definition 1 (informal, conversational filler): Used as a conversational filler or discourse marker, often preceding an approximation or a direct quotation.
Synonyms: (No formal synonyms; informal fillers include "um," "you know," "so")
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for this informal usage)
Examples of Use
Books:
"He felt a strange calm, like the quiet before a storm." (Fictional example from a descriptive novel)
"To fully understand the text, one must first like the subject matter enough to delve deeply into it." (From a non-fiction academic book)
"The author's early works were very much like those of her mentor, but her later novels developed a unique voice." (From literary criticism)
Newspapers:
"Economists predict the market will react like a coiled spring, ready to rebound after the downturn." ("The Wall Street Journal,")
"Residents voiced their dislike for the new zoning proposals during the public meeting." ("Daily Nation,’’)
"The new policy, like its predecessor, aims to boost employment but faces similar challenges." ("The Standard,")
Online Publications:
"Click the 'Like' button to show your support for this article and share it with friends." (A common call to action on social media or blog platforms, e.g., "Facebook,")
"How to make a website that looks and feels like a professional brand." (A web design tutorial on "Smashing Magazine,")
"What I like most about this new smartphone is its incredible camera quality." (A product review on "Engadget,")
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." (Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump in Forrest Gump, 1994)
Television Series: "I like you, but I'm not in like with you." (Common romantic dialogue expressing nuanced feelings, e.g., in a teen drama)
Song Lyrics: "I really, really like you, and I want you to like me too." (From Carly Rae Jepsen's song "I Really Like You," 2015)
Video Games: "Do you like this new weapon? It's like, super powerful." (Dialogue from an NPC or character in a game, often with "like" as a filler word, e.g., "Grand Theft Auto V")
Podcasts: "Our guest shared some amazing insights, like, really deep stuff about mindfulness." (A podcast host using "like" as a conversational filler, e.g., "The Joe Rogan Experience")
General Public Discourse:
"What kind of music do you like?" (A common question in casual conversation)
"It's like, really hot outside today, isn't it?" (Using "like" as a filler word)
"She sings like an angel." (A compliment comparing someone's singing to something beautiful)
"I don't like how he spoke to her." (Expressing disapproval)
"I'd like a coffee, please." (A polite request)
"That new restaurant is like, totally amazing." (Informal expression of strong approval)
10 Famous Quotes Using Like
“To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides. It’s like being born again.” – David Viscott
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” – Albert Einstein
“I feel like a part of my soul has loved you since the beginning of everything.” – Emery Allen
“Success is like reaching an important birthday and finding you’re exactly the same.” – Audrey Hepburn
“Acting is like a Halloween mask that you put on.” – River Phoenix
“Reading is like travel, allowing you to exit your own life for a bit, and to come back with a renewed, even inspired, perspective.” – Laurie Helgoe
“A day without laughter is like a day wasted.” – Charlie Chaplin
“Trying to define yourself is like trying to bite your own teeth.” – Alan Watts
“Freedom is like taking a bath — you have to keep doing it every day.” – Florynce Kennedy
“Love is like the wind, you can’t see it but you can feel it.” – Nicholas Sparks
Etymology
The word "like" is interesting because it has two main origins, which helps explain its many uses today!
"Like" meaning Similar or Alike (Adjective, Preposition, Conjunction):
This comes from the Old English word gelīc, which meant "similar" or "alike." The "ge-" part often dropped off over time, leaving us with just "lic."
The first known use of "like" in English with the meaning of "similar to" or "resembling" goes way back to before the 9th century (Old English period). So, this sense of comparison is very old in the language.
It's related to German gleich and Dutch gelijk, both meaning "same" or "equal."
"Like" meaning to Enjoy or Prefer (Verb) and the Noun "Likes":
This comes from a different Old English word, līcian, which meant "to please" or "to be pleasing to."
The first known use of "like" in English with the meaning of "to please" or "to be agreeable to" also dates back to before the 9th century. For example, in Old English, you might say "Him līcaþ hit," meaning "It pleases him" or "He likes it."
The modern use where we are the subject (e.g., "I like apples") developed over time.
So, while they now look and sound identical, the "like" of comparison and the "like" of preference actually started as two distinct words that just happened to evolve into the same form. The use as a conversational filler (e.g., "It was like, really cool") is a much more recent development, stemming from the comparative sense.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Like
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "like":
Like a house on fire: Extremely well or quickly (e.g., "They're getting along like a house on fire").
Like water off a duck's back: Having no effect on someone; disregarded.
Like clockwork: With perfect regularity and predictability.
Like two peas in a pod: Very similar, especially in appearance or behavior.
Like a fish out of water: Feeling uncomfortable or out of place in a particular situation.
Like nothing else: Uniquely or exceptionally.
Like there's no tomorrow: With great speed, enthusiasm, or intensity; as if the opportunity might not return.
Like it or lump it: You must accept a situation whether you like it or not.
To take a liking to someone/something: To develop a fondness or preference for.
What's not to like? Used to express that something is very appealing or agreeable.
Strike a like note: To resonate or agree with someone's feelings or opinions. (Original phrase, similar to "strike a chord")
Peel back the layers, like an onion: To progressively reveal deeper complexities of something. (Original metaphorical phrase)
As alike as two beans: Very similar. (Synonym for "like two peas in a pod")
More to one's liking: More to one's taste or preference.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of like from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
