liken — to compare someone or something to another person or thing in order to show similarity
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to compare someone or something to another person or thing in order to show similarity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈlaɪkən/
Example Sentences
- My teacher likes to liken grammar rules to cooking recipes - both need to be followed exactly!
- The CEO likened the company's growth to a rocket taking off.
- He likened his morning routine to a military operation - shower at 0600, coffee at 0610!
liken
VERB[/ˈlaɪkən/]
to compare someone or something to another person or thing in order to show similarity
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old English 'lician' meaning 'to please' or 'be similar to,' related to the adjective 'like.' The verb form developed in Middle English to mean 'make similar' and evolved to today's meaning of 'compare to.'
Breakdown
like (similar) + -en (verb-forming suffix meaning 'to make' or 'to cause to become')
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My teacher likes to liken grammar rules to cooking recipes - both need to be followed exactly!”
“The CEO likened the company's growth to a rocket taking off.”
“He likened his morning routine to a military operation - shower at 0600, coffee at 0610!”
“Scientists often liken DNA to a blueprint for life.”
📚Related Words
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