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like

like

∞ 7.0
A word people use in speech to show what someone said or thought
  • particle
  • /laɪk/
  • UK
: como (coloquial)
  • Just, I just, and he was like, cool.

And then it's the case of like switching off.

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Examples

  • I'll go back to bed at like noon or one.

  • But, you know, it's like it's us or them.

  • Like I feel like it's good for like going out.

  • We're going to go from like here to there.

  • You can see it all, like on your head.

  • But other than that, like no pain at all.

  • So this guy is in here like this?

  • That sounds super lush like that sounds so good.

  • I heard that like people get like their skin clears up.

  • He was like, "I can't believe this is happening!"

Synonyms

you know what
vslike
  • Informal
∞ 7.5

To say something new or surprising to get someone's attention

introduce reported speech or soften what is said casually
so to speak
vslike
192 5.6

As a way of saying something that is not exactly true

used more casually to introduce reported speech or soften remarks
as we say
vslike
29 5.6

To show that a phrase is not meant exactly but is a common way to say something

serve as a casual discourse particle introducing quotes or hedges
3 7.2

To say the same thing using different words

signal approximate quoted speech instead of precise wording

Idioms

∞ 3.5

Close in type or number to something mentioned

A thing like the one just mentioned

349 2.4

A little similar to something you know

just like that
  • Informal
199 4.2

Happens suddenly without warning or effort

like hell
  • NSFW
98 7.9

Happening very quickly, with great effort or very strongly

like crazy
  • Informal
93 7.8

With a lot of energy and very quickly

84 3.5

Things or people similar to those just mentioned

like a man
  • Informal
74 7.2

Acting with courage and responsibility when facing a problem

like a dream
  • Informal
51 4.9

Very well and smoothly, as if perfect

like clockwork
  • Informal
32 3.6

Happens at the same time without problems

like hell
  • NSFW
24 9.8

Said to show that you do not believe or accept something

22 5.6

A phrase people say to agree with a plan

like a pro
  • Informal
18 5.5

In a way that shows a lot of skill

like mad
  • Informal
13 8.1

Act very quickly and with great effort

To be embarrassed and silly because of something you did

12 4.6

People treat you as if you were a king or queen with great care

To act happy and without worry like a child

10 3.0

To become known by many people very quickly

10 8.2

Do something with very great energy or speed

like a champ
  • Informal
10 8.0

In a way that shows great skill, confidence, and keeps trying when things are hard

9 6.9

A lot of people suddenly fall ill or collapse

like a zombie
  • Informal
9 8.4

Moving slowly and not fully aware because you are very tired

8 3.4

Spend a lot of time doing hard, tiring tasks

like the devil
  • Informal
8 8.2

Very quickly and with great energy

out like a light
  • Informal
7 7.3

To fall asleep or become unconscious very quickly

To keep saying the same complaint again and again until people get annoyed

6 7.1

Be full of energy and very happy

like a banshee
  • Informal
6 9.3

In a very loud and out of control way like someone crying or shouting

like gangbusters
  • Informal
6 8.1

Very quickly and with great success

6 3.9

Give someone very special care and attention like a king or queen

5 8.4

To be very sick and miserable

to eat like a pig
  • Offensive
5 7.8

To eat in a very messy and greedy way

To be very healthy, happy, and full of energy

like a ninja
  • Informal
4 8.2

To move very quietly and with skill so no one notices

4 4.7

Very quickly and with great force

To feel a sudden strong shock or surprise

4 6.7

Fall or fail very quickly and completely

4 6.8

To move with light, graceful steps like a butterfly

3 6.8

To light and use many cigarettes every day

3 4.8

Try very hard for some time

3 6.1

Receive very special care and small luxuries

Very excited and happy because there are many things to choose from

like a shot
  • Informal
3 6.0

Very quickly and without hesitation

To become strong again after serious damage or trouble

3 6.1

To appear in a good way after a problem

3 7.6

Act with very strong, urgent energy and full focus

3 7.4

To do something with great energy and effort

Seem very attractive and stylish

hung like a horse
  • Offensive
2 9.9

A man with a very large penis

treated like a dog
  • Offensive
2 8.1

To behave badly towards someone and show no respect

2 4.6

To tremble a lot because you are afraid, nervous, or cold

2 7.7

To say something that hurts someone suddenly and sharply

Compounds

245 4.1

Other things or people that are alike

A deep daze when a person is unaware of what is happening

2 4.1

Like a city with busy streets and tall buildings

1 6.5

So tight that it does not let something move, like a strong grip

1 3.8

It looks and feels like smooth clear glass

1 3.7

Soft and wobbly with a thick, partly solid feel

Very large and grand like a big church

1 4.4

Looking or moving like hot melted rock that flows

1 3.6

Long and rounded like a small tube

1 3.8

Round and flat like a circle

1 3.4

Looks, sounds, or moves like a bee

1 5.0

Thin, evenly spaced parts that stick out in a row like small teeth

1 5.0

Having dry, bumpy skin like a lizard or snake

1 3.4

Flat and round like a pancake

1 3.7

A soft, smooth, thick texture like a sweet dessert cream

1 4.9

Soft and thick like a stuffed toy

1 4.0

A smooth, shiny surface that glows softly in light

1 4.2

Like a small village with a friendly community

1 5.9

Shaped like a small, sharp knife with a pointed end

1 6.4

Long and thin with a sharp edge like a chisel

1 7.1

A very thin, light cloth that is almost see-through

1 4.5

Extremely hot, like the inside of an oven

1 6.0

Moving or shaped like a tool that makes holes

1 4.2

Having the feel and look of soft body parts like skin or muscle

1 3.6

Having a round, hollow shape like a small ball

1 4.1

Having the color, taste or look of a cherry

lung-like
  • Specialized
1 6.7

Having parts that work like breathing organs to let a creature take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide

1 4.0

Showing strong feeling like a bright fire

Very thin and sharply pointed like a small knife

1 4.4

Shaped like a band that goes around something

A clear, musical bird sound like a small bell

reptile-like
  • Offensive
1 8.2

Not showing emotion and acting as if they do not care

1 3.7

Very thin, soft, and easy to tear like paper used for cleaning

1 7.4

Feels light and soft, like a fluffy cake

1 6.8

Shaped like a rudder, it helps steer in water

bell-like call
  • Texting
3.7

A short bell sound on a phone or app that signals a message

Dengoid-like symptoms
  • Specialized
8.8

Symptoms like those of dengue fever, such as high fever, rash and muscle pain

A very loud, high cry that sounds like someone in great fear or pain

9.6

A very strong angry feeling that makes someone act violently and destroy things

A drink like tea that uses herbs or flowers instead of tea leaves

An attractive, confident style that is a little playful and tempting

Surface Forms

like main

Etymology

Like used as a short speech marker is a recent, spoken use that grew from people saying be like to mean 'say' or 'seem' in casual talk. A helpful way to remember it is that this like signals reported words or a softened thought in speech.