Likening: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'likening' comes from the Old English 'lician' which means 'to please' or 'to resemble'.
• It evolved in Middle English to refer more specifically to the act of comparison or similarity.
• Linked to the word 'like', which indicates resemblance or similarity.

Language Use

• Likening is often used in poetry to create vivid images by comparing one thing to another.
• In everyday conversations, people may use likening to clarify ideas by connecting new concepts to familiar ones.
• Common phrases like 'as brave as a lion' are examples of likening, enhancing understanding through relatable comparisons.

Psychology

• Humans naturally tend to use comparisons to make sense of new information, because it relates to prior knowledge.
• Cognitive psychologists suggest that likening helps in memory retention by creating associations between concepts.
• Understanding through analogy, which involves likening, is recognized as a powerful learning tool in educational settings.

Literature

• Famous authors, like Shakespeare, frequently used likening in their works to enhance imagery and convey deeper meanings.
• Children's literature often employs likening to engage young readers, making complex emotions easier to grasp.
• Metaphors and similes, forms of likening, are crucial devices in storytelling, driving emotional connections.

Cultural Implications

• Different cultures utilize unique likening forms in their storytelling, enriching their folklore.
• Comparative phrases can reflect cultural values, such as likening a person to a wise owl in Western cultures.
• In interpersonal communications, likening can bridge cultural gaps by highlighting shared human experiences.

This word's position of #32,528 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 32525 expo
• 32526 magnanimously
• 32527 limpet
• 32528 likening
• 32529 inbuilt
• 32530 scarab
• 32531 pusillanimous
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