Meanings and Uses of Like

This vocabulary lesson is about the meanings and uses of like

Introduction

The word “like” has several meanings and uses. It can function as a verb, noun, preposition, conjunction, adverb, and even as a quotative. This page offers a comprehensive explanation of the various meanings and uses of “like” to help you understand and use it accurately and appropriately in different contexts.

Meanings and Uses of Like

The word “like” has a very flexible range of uses and meanings. It can be used as a noun, verb, adverb, preposition, conjunction, and quotative.

1. As a Noun

As a noun, “like” has the following meanings:

Similarity

A person, thing, or group similar to the one mentioned.

• Example: She was a great woman; we won’t see her like.

Preferences

The things that someone enjoys.

• Example: Swimming is one of my likes.

2. As a Verb

The verb “like” means:

“to find pleasant or attractive; enjoy.”

Infinitive or Gerund

It can be followed by an infinitive or a gerund:

• Example: I like dancing.
• Example: I like to be honest.

These two forms often have the same meaning, but sometimes there is a difference.

Infinitive

When we use “like” with an infinitive, it expresses habitual preference, something that the speaker does not necessarily enjoy but considers useful, right, or wise.

• Example: I like to see my doctor once a year.

Gerund

When “like” is used with the gerund form, the construction tends to mean that we are actually doing the action.

• Example: I like listening to music.

Would Like

“Would like” is used to make polite offers and requests.

• Example: Would you like some tea?
• Example: I’d like to see your report.

3. As a Preposition

The word “like” may be used as a preposition; it can introduce a simile (a stylistic device comparing two dissimilar ideas) as well as non-simile comparisons.

• Example: He fights like a lion.
• Example: He swims like fast as a fish.
• Example: He has a car just like hers.

4. As a Conjunction

The word “like” may replace the subordinating conjunction “as” or “as if.” Some people think it is “incorrect,” but you will certainly hear it a lot.

• Example: I feel like I am a star.
• Example: They look like they have been having fun.

5. Feel Like

“Feel like” can be used in two different ways:

Inclination or Desire

Informally, “feel like” means to have an inclination or desire for something.

• Example: I felt like watching a movie.

Normal State

“Feel like (oneself)” means to sense oneself as being in one’s normal state of health or spirits.

• Example: I just don’t feel like myself today.

6. As an Adverbial

Colloquially, “like” may be used as an adverb in the construction:

be + like + to infinitive, meaning “be likely to, be ready to, be on the verge of.”

• Example: He was like to do it again.
• Example: He was like to start all over again.

7. As a Quotative

“Like” is sometimes used colloquially as a quotative (an expression, such as “she said” or “he goes,” that introduces reported speech) to introduce a quotation or impersonation.

• Example: He was like, “I’ll be back in five minutes.”
• Example: She was like, “Go out!”
• Example: I was like [speaker rolls eyes].
• Example: The car was like, “vroom!”

Conclusion

The above explanations of the meanings and uses of like provide a thorough understanding of this versatile word. By exploring its various roles as a verb, noun, preposition, conjunction, adverb, and quotative, you can grasp the nuances of its usage in different contexts.