Like
/laɪk/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo feel attraction or enjoyment towards something or someone.
/laɪk/
To find something pleasing or enjoyable.
I like playing video games.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at an ice cream shop. If you "like" the strawberry flavor, it means you enjoy it and want to eat more!
👶 For kids: When you like something, it means you enjoy it!
More Examples
She likes to read books in her free time.
Do you like Italian food?
How It's Used
"I like chocolate."
"She likes to paint landscapes."
To desire or wish for something; often used in polite requests.
/laɪk/
To want or wish for something.
I'd like a piece of cake, please.
💡 Simply: When you "like" something in this way, it means you're asking or hoping for it, like saying "I'd like a cookie, please!"
👶 For kids: When you like something, it can mean you want something.
More Examples
Would you like some help?
She'd like to visit Paris someday.
How It's Used
"I'd like a cup of tea, please."
"What would you like to do tonight?"
Having the same characteristics or qualities as; similar to.
/laɪk/
Similar to; resembling.
She is like her mother.
💡 Simply: If something is "like" something else, it means they are similar. For example, "He looks like a superhero!"
👶 For kids: When something is like something else, it means they are similar.
More Examples
The sky is like a painting at sunset.
He swims like a fish.
How It's Used
"He looks like his father."
"The painting is like a dream."
Used informally to indicate an approximate number or amount; or as a filler word.
/laɪk/
Used to indicate an approximate number or amount.
There were, like, a hundred people at the concert.
💡 Simply: When you say "like" in this way, you're not being exact. You're just giving a general idea, for example "There were like ten dogs at the park."
👶 For kids: When you like something, it can mean 'about' or 'around', like 'There were like 5 kids there'.
More Examples
It cost, like, fifty dollars.
I was, like, really happy.
How It's Used
"There were like twenty people there."
"I was, like, so surprised."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
like father, like son
Used to say that a son is similar to his father, especially in character or behavior.
"He's become quite the entrepreneur, just like his father. Like father, like son."
and the like
Similar things; things of the same kind.
"We have apples, oranges, and the like."
From Old English līc (adjective, 'similar, alike') and līcian (verb, 'to please'). Evolved to mean 'to find agreeable' or 'to enjoy'. The adjective predates the verb in written records.
Used since Old English, and the meaning has expanded significantly over time.
Memory tip
Imagine a thumbs-up – you "like" something when you give it a thumbs-up!
Word Origin
"similar, alike"