like

/laɪk/
verbprepositionconjunctionadjectiveBeginner
informal

to enjoy or find pleasing

She likes chocolate ice cream.

She enjoys chocolate ice cream.

💡

Commonly used to express personal preference.

informal

to be similar to or resemble

He looks like his father.

He resembles his father in appearance.

💡

Used to compare two things or people.

informal

to be fond of or have an affection for

I like my new job.

I enjoy my new job and feel positively about it.

💡

Often used to express a positive feeling toward something or someone.

formal

to be likely or probable

It looks like it will rain tomorrow.

There is a high probability that it will rain tomorrow.

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Used to indicate a strong possibility or likelihood.

Collocations

like to doenjoy doing somethinglike the idea offind the idea appealinglike someonehave affection for someone

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

like a fish out of wateridiom
to feel uncomfortable or out of place
like it or notphrase
whether someone wants to or not
like father, like sonproverb
a son is similar to his father

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

The meaning of 'like' changes based on its grammatical role. Pay attention to whether it's a verb, preposition, or conjunction.

Gold Rule

Verb Usage

When 'like' is a verb, it typically expresses enjoyment or preference, e.g., 'I like pizza'.

📖Word Origin

Old English 'lician', from Proto-Germanic 'likōną', meaning 'to please'.

📝Usage Notes

The word 'like' is highly versatile and can function as a verb, preposition, conjunction, or adjective. Its meaning depends on the context in which it is used.

Word Breakdown

like
to enjoy or find pleasing
root
English Dictionary