ENGLISH
REFERENCE

likened

v.
C1 Advanced US //ˈɫaɪkənd// UK //lˈaɪkənd// likened

v. to say that one thing is similar to another thing. You use this when you want to compare two things to help someone understand a point.

v. to represent as similar or to compare to something else. Typically used in the passive voice or as a past participle to establish a metaphorical or literal connection between two entities.


SIMPLE

The critics likened the new movie to a classic thriller.

CONTEXTUAL

In her latest speech, the mayor likened the city's economic recovery to a marathon rather than a sprint.

COMPLEX

The poet's early work is frequently likened to that of the Romantics, though his later compositions adopt a much more cynical and industrial tone.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and almost always takes the preposition 'to' followed by the object of comparison.

Pitfall

he likened the car with a rockethe likened the car to a rocketLikened is almost exclusively paired with the preposition 'to' when making a comparison.

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