Like: meaning, definitions and examples

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[laɪk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

social media

To show support or approval for something on social media by clicking a button or icon.

Synonyms

approve, favor, thumbs up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
like	Use when expressing general enjoyment or pleasure towards something, commonly used in casual conversation and on social media. I like this new song. She really likes chocolate ice cream.
approve	Use in formal contexts when giving official permission or expressing formal satisfaction with something. The committee approved the new budget. My parents need to approve my travel plans.
thumbs up	Use in informal settings when giving a quick, positive signal of approval or agreement, often accompanied by the thumbs-up gesture. When she finished her presentation, her boss gave her a thumbs up. I gave the movie a thumbs up.
favor	Use when showing preference or support for something or someone, often in discussions about choices or decisions. It carries a formal tone. I favor a more balanced approach to the project. She favors her left leg when she walks.

Examples of usage

I always like my friend's posts on Facebook to show my support.
She liked my Instagram photo within seconds of me posting it.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

preferences

A feeling of attraction or enjoyment towards something or someone.

Synonyms

attraction, fondness, preference.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
like	General, informal usage to indicate that you find something pleasing or satisfactory. I like your new haircut. She likes to read books.
preference	Used to indicate a greater liking for one alternative over another. Often used in decision-making contexts. I have a preference for tea over coffee. His preference is to work from home.
fondness	Indicates a warm, often affectionate feeling towards someone or something. It's more personal and carries a positive emotional nuance. She has a fondness for vintage cars. I have a great fondness for my old school.
attraction	Used to describe a physical or emotional pull towards someone or something; often implies a stronger, more magnetic appeal. Commonly used in romantic contexts. There was an instant attraction between them. The city's main attraction is the beautiful beach.

Examples of usage

My like for chocolate ice cream is well known among my friends.
She has a lot of likes in common with me.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

This word comes from Old English 'lician', which meant 'to please' or 'to be satisfying'.
In different languages, this word has various forms that similarly convey approval. For example, in Spanish, it’s 'gustar'.
Over centuries, the meaning has expanded, allowing it to include emotional and social connections.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'like' became a linguistic staple in the 1980s and 1990s by teenagers, often used to indicate a casual way of speaking.
Social media platforms made 'like' iconic, particularly the thumbs up feature on Facebook, signifying support and agreement.
With internet memes, the expression 'I can't even,' often prefixed with 'like,' became popular for emphasizing disbelief or humor.

Psychology

Humans often express 'liking' as a way to establish relationships and create bonds with others through shared interests.
Studies show people are more likely to 'like' others who are similar to them, indicating that similarity can enhance social connections.
'Like' can also work as a coping mechanism to create social acceptance in group settings, shaping group identity.

Linguistics

As a filler word, 'like' appears often in conversational speech, helping to manage the flow of dialogue.
The use of 'like' in similes (e.g., 'as brave as a lion') helps create vivid imagery and comparisons.
It's also studied in linguistics as a phenomenon known as 'discourse marker', which helps listeners process information.

Education

In language development, children learn to express their preferences through phrases incorporating 'like', crucial for sharing thoughts.
Teachers often encourage students to articulate what they 'like' about their work to enhance reflective thinking skills.
'Like' plays a role in peer feedback, allowing students to affirm one another’s ideas and contributions in group discussions.

Translations

Translations of the word "like" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gostar

🇮🇳 पसंद करना

🇩🇪 mögen

🇮🇩 suka

🇺🇦 подобатися

🇵🇱 lubić

🇯🇵 好き (suki)

🇫🇷 aimer

🇪🇸 gustar

🇹🇷 sevmek

🇰🇷 좋아하다 (joahada)

🇸🇦 يحب (yuhibu)

🇨🇿 mít rád

🇸🇰 mať rád

🇨🇳 喜欢 (xǐhuān)

🇸🇮 imeti rad

🇮🇸 líka við

🇰🇿 ұнату

🇬🇪 მოწონება

🇦🇿 bəyənmək

🇲🇽 gustar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #70, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.

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67 each
68 well
69 year
70 like
71 see
72 many
73 before
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