like

like1 [ laık ] function word ***

Like can be used in the following ways:

as a preposition (followed by a noun):

He looks like his father.

as a conjunction (connecting two clauses):

She looked like she was about to cry.

as an adverb:

I said, like, you can't do this to me.

as an adjective, especially in the phrase of like mind

1. ) similar or in a similar way

a ) similar to someone or something else, or in a similar way to someone or something else:

It was a small animal like a rat.

I think she was like me, she didn't really want to get involved.

No one could play the trumpet like he did.

just like: I went and bought myself a new pen just like yours.

That morning began just like any other.

seem/look/sound/smell/taste/feel like: Doesn't he look like Mark?

The cloth felt like silk against her skin.

anything like (=at all similar): Was the office where you used to work anything like this one?

nothing like (=not at all similar): I have to admit India was nothing like what I was expecting.

like new: Once it's washed and ironed it'll be like new.

b ) used for emphasizing a quality in the way someone does something or in the way something happens:

The news spread like wildfire.

He smokes like a chimney.

She was crying like a baby.

c ) in the same way as usual or as before:

Why don't you play with the other children, like you used to?

I went to see my mother, like I always do on Tuesdays.

d ) used when the same statement applies to each of two things:

Other people's children, like other people's dogs, have never interested me.

e ) of like mind FORMAL thinking in the same way or having the same opinion as someone else:

I can see that you and I are of like mind on this issue.

2. ) used for giving examples used for introducing an example of something or someone that you have just mentioned: SUCH AS:

The older boy loved to kill small things like birds and mice.

An intelligent woman like you shouldn't have been fooled so easily.

3. ) typical used for saying that a type of behavior is typical of a particular person:

it's just like someone: He didn't show up again. That's just like him.

it's not like someone to do something: It's not like him to cheat and lie.

4. ) as if SPOKEN used when saying that something appears to be true but may not be:

He sounded like he'd only just woken up.

Sam played with the children like he was one of them.

It looks like he has his hair trimmed about three times a week.

5. ) used when you pause SPOKEN used when you pause while you are thinking what to say next, or because of a habit in the way you speak:

He hasn't called me in, like, three weeks.

6. ) used for drawing attention to something SPOKEN used for drawing someone's attention to what you are going to say, either because it is new information or because it is important:

They were, like, so rude!

7. ) used in requests SPOKEN used when asking someone to do something that they might not want to do:

I was wondering if I could, like, borrow the car this evening.

8. ) used when reporting speech VERY INFORMAL used when you are reporting what someone has said:

And I'm like, give me a chance, Simon.

9. ) used when giving information that is not exact SPOKEN used for showing that the information you are giving is not exact or that you are describing something in a way that makes it seem better, worse, larger, etc. than it really is:

It was, like, the best meal I'd ever had.

like crazy/mad

happening or doing something in a very extreme, noticeable, or fast way:

His new book is selling like crazy.

Put him in the car and drive like mad to the hospital.

like I say/said SPOKEN

used when you are saying something again that you have already said:

It's unfortunate but, like I said, it's a decision we have to make.

like this/like so

used when showing someone exactly how to do something:

Enter the information here in this box, like so.

more like

used for giving a number or amount that you think is more accurate than another one:

Profits look more like 39 percent than the 61 percent reported for 1996.

something like

1. ) used for showing that you are guessing at an amount or number:

He earns something like $40,000 a year.

2. ) fairly similar to something:

a large fish something like a shark

that's more like it SPOKEN

used for saying that something is more satisfactory than before:

That's more like it! You're really starting to improve.

there's nothing/no place like something

used for emphasizing that a thing or a place is better than any other:

There's nothing like a cold beer on a hot summer day.

If you want excitement, there's no place like Las Vegas.

what is someone/something like?

used for asking about the qualities or features of a person or thing:

I haven't met Alan what's he like?

What was it like meeting Jill's parents for the first time?

She took Andrew with her to show him what the club was like.

=> ANYTHING

like

like 2 [ laık ] verb transitive not usually progressive ***

1. ) to enjoy doing something or to feel that someone or something is pleasant or attractive:

Do you like my new hairstyle?

You never did like John, did you?

like doing something: I like going out to parties with friends or watching TV.

I don't like talking about Eve behind her back.

like to do something: He always liked to sleep late on Sundays.

like something best: Which of her novels did you like best?

what I like about: What I really like about her is her sense of humor.

like it when: Jamie doesn't like it when you correct him.

2. ) to prefer to do something in a particular way or prefer to have something done in a particular way:

How do you like your eggs?

like someone to do something: She likes us to hand our work in on time.

like to do something: I don't like to interrupt her when she's in a meeting.

how do you like...?

used for asking someone for their opinion or their reaction to something:

How did you like Paris?

How do you like these shoes?

How did you like it when you lived in Leeds?

how do you like that? SPOKEN

used for showing that you are surprised or slightly annoyed by something you have just seen or heard

how would you like...? SPOKEN

1. ) used for offering someone something that you think they will enjoy:

How would you like a glass of lemonade?

How would you like to take the afternoon off?

2. ) used for telling someone to consider how they would feel if something bad happened to them, especially if it has already happened to you:

How would you like someone insulting you in public?

How would you like it if I stayed out all night without telling you where I was?

I like that BRITISH SPOKEN

used for emphasizing that what someone has just said is rude or unfair

I'd like to see someone do something

used for saying that you do not believe someone can do something:

I'd like to see her produce anything half as good as this!

I'd like to think (that)

used for saying that you hope something is true although it may not be:

I'd like to think he intends to pay the debt.

if you like SPOKEN

1. ) used when making an offer or suggestion:

We'll go to the Louvre tomorrow if you like.

I'll take him to the hospital if you like.

2. ) used for showing that you agree to a suggestion although it is not what you would choose to do:

Let's just sit here for a minute. OK, if you like.

3. ) used when you are describing something in a way that you think someone might not agree with:

His latest sculpture is an object of beauty, a masterpiece if you like.

(whether you) like it or not

used for saying that you cannot change a situation even if it is unpleasant:

Whether we like it or not, we are part of a global economy.

would like/'d like

used for stating politely what you or someone else wants:

I'd like a large whiskey, please.

someone would like to do something: I think I'd like to leave now.

I'd like to thank everyone who made this evening a success.

I would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the robbery.

someone would like someone to do something: They'd like you to tell them the truth.

would you like...?

used for offering something to someone or inviting them to do something:

Would you like some cake?

What would you like for your birthday?

would you like to do something?: Would you like to go for a drink?

would you like someone/something to do something: Would you like me to help you with your homework?

like

like 3 [ laık ] noun *

and the like

used for including other similar people or things in what you are saying:

pop stars, movie stars, models, and the like

compare like with like

to compare two things that are similar in some way

something's like/someone's like

used for emphasizing that someone or something is impressive or important:

We shall never see his like again.

someone's likes and dislikes

what someone likes and does not like

the like(s) of INFORMAL

used for referring to a particular type of person or thing:

I doubt they'd give one of those jobs to the likes of us.