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Liked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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liked

[laɪkt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

The word 'liked' is the past tense of 'like', which refers to the expression of positive feelings or preferences towards someone or something. It suggests that a person had an inclination or attraction to another person, idea, or object in the past. This verb can be used to convey a range of emotions, from simple enjoyment to deeper affection.

Synonyms

adored, appreciated, enjoyed, favored, valued.

Examples of usage

  • She liked the movie.
  • He liked her sense of humor.
  • They liked going to the beach.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often like things that are familiar or similar to what they already enjoy, a principle called 'mere exposure'.
  • The 'liking' factor in social psychology can heavily influence relationships, where mutual likes can deepen bonds.
  • Studies show that 'liking' something activates the brain's reward system, releasing feel-good hormones.

Pop Culture

  • Social media has revolutionized the concept of 'liked', allowing users to express approval instantly with just a click.
  • The 'like' button became a cultural phenomenon, often associated with validation and popularity in the digital age.
  • Celebrity endorsements often hinge on the 'likeability' factor, where fans are drawn to those they like.

Literature

  • Authors often show characters' emotional states by describing what they 'liked', revealing deeper personality traits.
  • Classic literature frequently contrasts what characters like and dislike to highlight conflicts and themes.
  • Poets use the idea of 'liking' to explore complex emotions and relationships, making the simple act of liking a literary device.

Language Evolution

  • In modern usage, 'liked' has evolved to include various forms like 'liking' and 'likes', broadening how we express our preferences.
  • The way people use 'liked' can change depending on the context – from casual conversations to formal reviews.
  • With language development, the term has expanded from just expressing preferences to indicating social connections and trends.

Origin of 'liked'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Liked' comes from the Old English word 'lician', which means 'to please'.
  • The word has roots in the Proto-Germanic 'likōną', showing how long people have been expressing enjoyment.
  • The concept of liking someone or something has been part of human language for centuries.

The term 'like' originates from the Old English 'lician', which meant 'to please' or 'to be agreeable.' Over the centuries, it evolved through Middle English as 'liken', and eventually became 'like' in Modern English. The transformation reflects the gradual shift in usage towards expressing preference and affection. The past tense 'liked' comes from the addition of the regular past-tense suffix '-ed', a feature that became standardized in English grammar. Over time, the use of 'like' has expanded into various phrases and idiomatic expressions, influencing both spoken and written communication in contemporary settings.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,343, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.