like

like

like¹ [līk]

adj.

[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]

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. Dial. likely

adv.

Informal likely [like as not, he is already there]

prep.

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] Like was originally an adjective in senses LIKE¹ 1, 3, 5, and an adverb in sense LIKE¹ 2, and is still considered so by conservative grammarians

conj.

Informal

1. in the way that; as [it was just like you said]

2. as if [it looks like he is late]

n.

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]

interj.

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]

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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?”]

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like anything

Informal very much; exceedingly

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like blazes or like crazy or like the devil or like mad

Informal with furious energy, speed, etc.

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like to

Dial. nearly; almost [he like to broke the door down]

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nothing like

not at all like; completely different from

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something like

almost like; about

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the like

others of the same kind

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the like of or the likes of

Informal any person or thing like

like² [līk]

vi.

liked, liking [ME liken < OE lician (akin to Goth leikan) < base of lic, body, form (see LIKE¹): sense development: to be of like form—be like—be suited to—be pleasing to]

1. Obs. to please

2. to be so inclined; choose [leave whenever you like]

vt.

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]

n.

[pl.] preferences, tastes, or affections

preferences, tastes, or affections

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more like it

Informal closer to being what is wanted

liker

n.