like
like Lexical Profile
like Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To wish for, choose, or prefer to have or do something.
"Would you like a cup of herbal tea before the meeting begins?"
To find agreeable, enjoyable, or satisfactory.
"She really likes reading historical biographies in her spare time."
To indicate approval of or support for an online post or piece of content by clicking a designated icon.
"Hundreds of readers liked the article within minutes of its publication."
• conjunction
In the same way that; as.
"No one bakes fresh sourdough bread quite like my grandmother does."
In the manner that would be expected if; as though.
"Dark clouds gathered on the horizon, and it looked like it was going to rain."
• preposition
Having the same characteristics or qualities as; similar to.
"She wears her hair in a braided style just like her older sister."
Used to draw attention to the nature of an action or event, or to introduce an example.
"Many citrus fruits, like oranges and grapefruits, are rich in vitamin C."
Typical or characteristic of a particular person.
"It is not like him to arrive late for an important meeting."
• interjection
Used in informal speech as a discourse marker or filler to pause, soften a statement, or add emphasis.
"That was, like, the most fascinating lecture I have attended all semester."
• adverb
Used in informal speech to introduce a reported statement, thought, or non-verbal expression.
"When he heard the unexpected news, he was like, 'Are you serious?'"
Used in informal speech to indicate an approximation or exaggeration.
"There were like fifty people waiting in line outside the bakery."
• noun
The things that a person enjoys or prefers, typically contrasted with dislikes.
"The survey asked participants to list their personal likes and dislikes regarding workplace policies."
An indication of approval or support for a post or comment on social media.
"Her photography portfolio received thousands of likes within an hour of being posted."
A person or thing of a similar kind, quality, or equal standing.
"The gallery features paintings, sculptures, and the like from local contemporary artists."
• adjective
Having the same characteristics or qualities as another; similar or comparable.
"The two scholars responded to the new evidence in a like manner."
Word Nuance & Usage
In formal and academic writing, 'like' should be used strictly as a preposition followed by a noun phrase, whereas 'as' or 'as if' is preferred as a conjunction introducing a clause containing a verb.
• Rhymes for like
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
As a preposition and adjective, it derives from Old English 'gelic' (meaning 'having the same form or body'), while the verb sense comes from Old English 'lician' (meaning 'to be pleasing to').