like
v. · prep. · n. · conj. · adj. · part.-
1 to enjoy (v.) A1 Beginnerto enjoy something or find it pleasant.
to find agreeable, enjoyable, or satisfactory. Transitive — requires a direct object or an infinitive/gerund complement.
ExampleI really like the new Italian restaurant in the city centre.
ExampleMost residents seem to like the proposed changes to the park, though a vocal minority remains concerned about the cost.
PitfallI am liking this music.I like this music.As a stative verb, 'like' is rarely used in the continuous (-ing) form in standard English.
-
2 social media approval (v.) A2 Elementary Computingto show you support or agree with a post on the internet by clicking a button.
to indicate approval of digital content via a specific interface action.
ExampleDon't forget to like and subscribe if you enjoyed the video.
ExampleThe post was liked by thousands of users within minutes of being published on the platform.
- upvote
- favourite
Show 7 more sensesShow fewer
-
3 similar to (prep.) A1 Beginnersimilar to something or someone else.
having the same or nearly the same characteristics as another entity.
ExampleShe looks just like her mother when she smiles.
ExampleThe fabric feels like silk, but it is actually a highly sophisticated synthetic blend designed for durability.
- similar to
- resembling
PitfallYour phone is the same like mine.Your phone is the same as mine.Use 'the same as' for identity, but 'like' for similarity.
-
4 for example (prep.) A2 Elementaryused to give examples of something.
introducing a specific instance or instances of a broader category.
ExampleI prefer bright colours, like yellow and orange.
ExampleThe course covers various European languages, like French, German, and Spanish, focusing on conversational skills.
-
5 preferences (n.) B1 Intermediatethe things that you enjoy or prefer.
the things that a person finds pleasing or prefers; usually used in the plural.
ExampleWe discussed our likes and dislikes regarding the new office design.
ExampleUnderstanding the likes of your target audience is essential for any successful marketing campaign.
- preferences
- favourites
-
6 similar people or things (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea person or thing that is similar to another.
a person or thing of the same kind or class as one mentioned.
ExampleWe shall never see his like again.
ExampleThe museum houses ancient coins, pottery, and the like, all recovered from the local excavation site.
-
7 in the same way as (conj.) B1 Intermediate Informalin the same way that something else happens.
used to introduce a clause describing a manner or state; often substituted for 'as' in informal speech.
ExampleNo one makes chocolate cake like my grandmother does.
ExampleHe behaves like he owns the place, which irritates the rest of the staff.
- as
- the way
-
8 alike (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediate Formalhaving the same qualities.
possessing the same or similar characteristics; often used in the phrase 'of like mind'.
ExampleThe two companies have like interests in the energy sector.
ExampleThe project brought together people of like mind who were all committed to environmental conservation.
-
9 filler word (part.) C1 Advanced Informal Slanga word used when you are thinking or to emphasize something.
a discourse marker used as a filler, to indicate a paraphrase, or to signal a focus on new information.
ExampleI was, like, so surprised when she told me the news.
ExampleHe was like, 'I can't believe we missed the train,' and I was just standing there in shock.
UsageCommonly used in speech to fill pauses or before quoting someone.
Teacher's tipLearners should avoid using this in formal writing or professional presentations as it can sound unprofessional.