Like Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
like
[laษชk ]
Definitions
social media
To show support or approval for something on social media by clicking a button or icon.
Synonyms
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.
|
| approve |
Use in formal contexts when giving official permission or expressing formal satisfaction with something.
|
| thumbs up |
Use in informal settings when giving a quick, positive signal of approval or agreement, often accompanied by the thumbs-up gesture.
|
| favor |
Use when showing preference or support for something or someone, often in discussions about choices or decisions. It carries a formal tone.
|
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.
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.
|
| preference |
Used to indicate a greater liking for one alternative over another. Often used in decision-making contexts.
|
| fondness |
Indicates a warm, often affectionate feeling towards someone or something. It's more personal and carries a positive emotional nuance.
|
| 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.
|
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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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 anotherโs ideas and contributions in group discussions.
Origin of 'like'
Main points about word origin
- 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, itโs 'gustar'.
- Over centuries, the meaning has expanded, allowing it to include emotional and social connections.
The word 'like' originated from the Old English word 'lician', meaning 'to please'. Over time, it evolved to encompass various meanings related to approval, preferences, and attraction. The use of 'like' as a social media term gained popularity with the rise of platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
See also: alike, alikeness, dislike, disliked, likable, likelihood, likely, liken, likeness, likewise, liking, unlike, unlikeliness.