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like [ līk ] (plural likes) CORE MEANING: a grammatical word indicating that two things or people are similar or share some of the same features, qualities, or characteristics; it also introduces an example of the set of things or people that have just been mentioned
  Vivid red phone booths, looking like London imports, stood nearby. |
| Definition: |
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1. preposition resembling: having a resemblance to somebody or something, or so as to have a resemblance to somebody or something
She wrapped the towel like a turban on her head.
He looks like the hero type to me!
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2. preposition such as: introduces a typical instance or an example of a particular category or type
She won't go to loud places like bars.
I bought things like fishing tackle and waders.
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3. preposition indicates characteristics: indicates qualities, characteristics, or features
(
often used in questions
)
What's it like, being a mother?
When you go on like this, do you know what you sound like?
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4. preposition typical of: characteristic of somebody or something
(
often negative
)
It's not like him to be this late coming home.
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5. preposition inclined toward: having a tendency or desire to do something
I felt like screaming when I found the kitchen floor flooded.
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6. preposition with suggestion of: as though something might happen
It looks like rain this morning.
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7. conj as: in the same way or manner that
(
informal
)
To ski like she does requires great athletic ability.
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8. conj as if: as though or as if
(
nonstandard
)
Butch hops out of the car like it was on fire.
Like I'd tell you a secret!
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9. adverb used as filler or for emphasis: used especially in conversation as a filler, for emphasis, to indicate possible exaggeration, or to convey uncertainty or approximation
(
informal
)
You're, like, feeling stressed today, aren't you?
There were, like, hundreds of people there.
She has, like, six brothers and sisters.
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10. adverb introduces direct speech: used especially in conversation to introduce a quotation of what somebody said
(
nonstandard
)
Susan is like "It's not for me" and Brandon is like, "You had me worried" and Susan is like, "Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere."
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11. noun something similar: a thing or set of things similar to another
window boxes, planters, flower pots, and the like
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12. noun counterpart: one person or thing that is regarded as similar or almost identical to another
Have you ever tasted the like of this cheesecake?
We won't see his like again in this decade.
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13. adjective alike: having exactly the same or almost identical qualities or characteristics
These two cats are as like as though they were of the same litter.
The new laws affect hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and other like institutions.
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| [12th century. < Old Norse líkr, shortening of glíkr, equivalent to Old English gelīc (see alike)] |
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like as not to a probable or likely extent (informal)
Like as not he'll show up very late.
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like new in pristine condition (informal)
looked like new
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like so in the manner demonstrated
Spread the fabric out like so.
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the likes of people or things of the particular sort
Such luxuries aren't for the likes of us.
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| Word Usage |
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like as a conjunction and a filler:
In writing and formal contexts, it is best to avoid using like as a conjunction meaning "as" or "as if" or "as though" when introducing a fully developed clause (i.e., one with a subject and a verb). Avoid constructions like these: It sounds like she may resign.This pizza smells and tastes like a good pizza should. Recast the sentences: It sounds as if she may resign.This pizza smells and tastes good, just the way it should. It is acceptable to use like in a comparison as long as you do not include a verb in the matter following like: She ran the company just like a tyrant.
Avoid using like as a meaningless filler: "What were the main characters doing in Chapter One?" "They were, like, trying to understand the reasons why people go to war." In such contexts, like often acknowledges that what follows is not strictly accurate, either because the speaker is exaggerating or because he or she is unsure: He's like, seven feet tall. It takes like, six or seven hours. Another use of like, to introduce speech, is often heard in highly informal conversation but is considered nonstandard on any level except in fictional dialogue: She was like, "Don't worry, I'll do it."
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