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Likened: meaning, definitions and examples

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likened

 

[ ˈlaɪ.kənd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

comparison, similarities

The term 'likened' is the past tense of the verb 'liken', which means to compare one thing to another. It is commonly used to highlight similarities between two different entities. When something is likened to something else, it suggests that there are notable characteristics or qualities that are shared. This verb often appears in literary and conversational contexts to enhance understanding or create vivid imagery. It emphasizes the relationship or analogy drawn between the two subjects.

Synonyms

analogized, associated, compared

Examples of usage

  • She likened his voice to that of a famous singer.
  • The author likened the struggles of the protagonist to her own experiences.
  • The scientist likened the complex system to a machine.

Translations

Translations of the word "likened" in other languages:

🇵🇹 comparado

🇮🇳 समान किया हुआ

🇩🇪 verglichen

🇮🇩 disamakan

🇺🇦 порівняно

🇵🇱 porównany

🇯🇵 比べられた

🇫🇷 comparé

🇪🇸 comparado

🇹🇷 benzetilmiş

🇰🇷 비교된

🇸🇦 مقارنة

🇨🇿 srovnáván

🇸🇰 porovnávaný

🇨🇳 类比

🇸🇮 primerjan

🇮🇸 samanburður

🇰🇿 салыстырылған

🇬🇪 შედარებული

🇦🇿 müqayisə edilmiş

🇲🇽 comparado

Etymology

The word 'liken' has its origins in Old English, derived from the verb 'lician', which means 'to please' or 'to be pleasing'. Initially, it pertained to the notion of being similar or pleasing to one another, particularly in terms of likeness or comparison. Over time, its meaning shifted and became more focused on the act of drawing comparisons. The formation of the term included the prefix 'like', which denotes similarity. The usage of 'liken' has been prevalent since the early 14th century, with its incorporation into Middle English. As it evolved, 'liken' became a standard term in English literature and discourse, utilized by writers to create vivid imagery or draw attention to resemblances between subjects.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,465, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.