Liken definition

līkən
likened likening likens
See word origin
Frequency:
To represent or describe as being like, or similar (to); compare.
verb
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(followed by to or unto) To compare; to state that (something) is like (something else).

The physics teacher likened the effect of mass on space to an indentation in a sheet of rubber.

verb
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To see, mention, or show as similar; compare.
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Origin of liken

  • Middle English liknen from like similar like2

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Middle English liken (“to compare; to be comparable, be equal; to form; to be appropriate"), equivalent to like +"Ž -en.

    From Wiktionary

Liken Sentence Examples

  • The public perception may look at foods labeled "free range" or "no growth hormones used" and liken them to organic foods.

  • Others liken it to the dental products available, but are not sure if it will be as effective as the dental version.

  • Indeed, many patients liken its effect to that of drinking champagne.

  • Yet another popular reference in poetry is to liken love to something exquisite in nature, like a butterfly, a deep red rose, or the fresh scent of lavender.

  • Some new drivers liken shifting a 5-speed to trying pat your head while rubbing your stomach.

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Words near liken in the Dictionary