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like¹ Definition

like (līk)

adjective

  1. having almost or exactly the same qualities, characteristics, etc.; similar; equal a cup of sugar and a like amount of flour
  2. Rare alike
  3. Dialectal likely

Etymology: ME lik, aphetic for ilik < OE gelic, similar, equal, lit., of the same form or shape, akin to Ger gleich < PGmc *galīka- < *ga-, prefix of uncert. meaning + *līka, body, (ON līk, Goth leik, OE lic): for IE base see lich

adverb

Informal likely like as not, he is already there

  1. similar to; somewhat resembling she is like a bird
  2. in a manner characteristic of; similarly to she sings like a bird
  3. in accord with the nature of; characteristic of it's not like her to sleep late
  4. in the mood for; desirous of to feel like sleeping
  5. indicative or prophetic of that sounds like fun; it looks like a clear day tomorrow
  6. as for example great dramatists like Sophocles and Shakespeare

  1. in the way that; as it was just like you said
  2. as if it looks like he is late

noun

a person or thing regarded as the equal or counterpart of another or of the person or thing being discussed I've never met her like

Informal inserted into spoken sentences before or after a word, phrase, or clause, apparently without meaning or syntactic function, but possibly for emphasis it's, like, hot

like¹ Idioms

be like

Slang to say, think, or feel so I'm like, “We have to be there on time,” and he's like, “Well, duh—so what else is new?”

like anything

Informal very much; exceedingly

like blazes

or like crazy or like the devil or like mad

Informal with furious energy, speed, etc.

like to

Dialectal nearly; almost he like to broke the door down

nothing like

not at all like; completely different from

something like

almost like; about

the like

others of the same kind

the like of

Informal any person or thing like

like² Definition

like (līk)

intransitive verb liked, lik′·ing

  1. Obsolete to please
  2. to be so inclined; choose leave whenever you like

Etymology: ME liken < OE lician (akin to Goth leikan) < base of lic, body, form (see like): sense development: to be of like form—be like—be suited to—be pleasing to

transitive verb

  1. to have a taste or fondness for; be pleased with; have a preference for; enjoy
  2. to want or wish I would like to see him
  3. Informal to favor and support as the probable winner I like Cleveland in the Series

noun

preferences, tastes, or affections

like² Related Forms

lik′er noun

like² Idioms

more like it

Informal closer to being what is wanted

like Synonyms

like

modif.

similar, same, near, resembling, close, not far from, according to, conforming with, matching, equaling, jibing, allying, not unlike, akin, related, analogous, twin, corresponding, allied to, much the same, of the same form, comparable, identical, congeneric, congenerous, approximative, in the manner of, parallel, homologous, to the effect that, consistent, of a piece, approximating; see also alike 1, 2.

Antonyms different*, far*, unrelated.

like Synonyms

like

prep.

similar, same, near to; see alike 2, like (modif.).

like Synonyms

like

n.

counterpart, match, equal, peer, equivalent, resemblance, parallelism; see also similarity.

and the like

and so forth, etcetera, etc., similar kinds; see others, same.

more like it*

acceptable, good, improved; see better 2.

nothing like

dissimilar, contrasting, opposed; see different 1, 2.

something like

similar, resembling, akin; see like (modif.).

like Synonyms

like

v.

  1. To enjoy

    take delight in, relish, take pleasure in, derive pleasure from, be pleased by, revel in, indulge in, rejoice in, find agreeable, find congenial, find appealing, be gratified by, take satisfaction in, be keen on, exclaim over, savor, fancy, dote on, take an interest in, develop interest for, delight in, bask in, luxuriate in, regard with favor, have a liking for, love, have a taste for, care to, feast on, get a kick out of*, feast one's eyes on*, be tickled by*, eat up*, go in for*, lick one's lips over*.

    Antonyms endure*, detest*, dislike. *

  2. To be fond of

    have a fondness for, admire, hold in regard, take a fancy to, feel warmly toward, feel affectionately toward, prize, esteem, hold dear, dote on, care about, care for, approve, be pleased with, take to*, have a soft spot in one's heart for*, go for in a big way*, hunger and thirst after*, hanker for*, have a yen for*, become attached to*, be sweet on*, cotton to*, have eyes for*; see also cherish 1, love 1.

    Antonyms hate*, disapprove*, dislike. *

  3. To be inclined

    choose, feel disposed, wish, desire, have a preference for, prefer, fancy, feel like, incline toward; see also want 1.

like Usage Examples

Object

  • copy: Would you like a copy of the Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000?
  • idea: If you like the idea of something different in a site then this may be the one you are looking for.
  • information: Please contact us if you would like any further information on our commercial dry cleaning services.
  • way: I like the way he starts his set with " Breathe " a solo career song that has started to grow on me.
  • book: I guess i liked the book because it taught me how fun it really would have been without having a TV to watch.
  • taste: The reason was that I liked the taste of meat.

Modifies a noun

manner: In like manner, Water receives two qualities from the Earth, darkness and thickness; and from the Fire one, motion.

Modifying Another Word

  • really: The editor of the magazine actually called to tell me they really liked the story.
  • especially: It especially likes the deeper blacker soils that were created under long since vanished mixed oak woodland.
  • n't: Also, I do n't like sitting in a concert hall or theater with a full tummy.
  • just: Off course there are also a lot of members who just like the social side of training.

Used with why or when

what: If you like what you see on the sites then why not consider joining us?

Infinitive complement

  • thank: I would like to thank Skill for giving me a great work experience.
  • know: I'd also like to know who the mysterious Dwayne Detroit was!
  • hear: I would like to hear what you thought of the site.
  • see: I'd like to see the pyramids in Egypt one day.
  • think: I would like to think that my case is an exception.
  • join: My son would like to join the police but he is just turning eighteen and has been told that you prefer more mature people.

Present participle complement

  • sit: Also, I don't like sitting in a concert hall or theater with a full tummy.
  • live: So what's it like living there now and what hope for the future?