Likened Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Literature

• In literature, authors often liken characters to animals or objects to highlight their traits, such as describing someone as 'brave as a lion'.
• Metaphors and similes in poetry utilize the concept of likening to create vivid images in readers' minds.
• Shakespeare was known for his rich use of likening, using it to convey complex emotions and ideas.

Psychology

• Psychologically, likening things helps in understanding and processing information by relating new knowledge to what we already know.
• Cognitive biases can affect how we liken things, often leading to oversimplified groups like stereotypes.
• Humans instinctively liken experiences to derive meaning, reflecting how we categorize our emotional reactions.

Communication

• In speech and writing, likening can make complex ideas more accessible and relatable to the audience.
• Politicians often liken themselves to historical figures to create a sense of trust and leadership.
• Advertisers frequently use likening in slogans to associate their products with positive qualities.

Art

• Artists often liken their work to certain styles or movements, helping viewers to understand their influences.
• In art criticism, likening a piece to another can spark discussions about technique, emotion, and intention.
• Visual metaphors in painting often involve likening one object or scene to another to elicit emotional responses.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'liken' comes from the Old English 'lician', meaning 'to please or to be like'.
• In the 14th century, it began to be used to describe comparisons between two things.
• The suffix '-ed' indicates the past tense, showing that the comparison has already been made.

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.

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

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• 15462 blueprint
• 15463 recessed
• 15464 elaborately
• 15465 likened
• 15466 wholesaler
• 15467 appraisals
• 15468 begotten
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