Like Meaning
Like Definition & Usage
To feel attraction or preference for someone or something.
Examples
- "I like the way you think."
- "She likes chocolate more than vanilla."
- "Do you like going to the movies?"
- "He likes playing tennis in the mornings."
- "I would like to visit Italy someday."
To resemble or be similar to something or someone.
Examples
- "The sky looks like it’s about to rain."
- "Her dress is like the one I bought last week."
- "This coffee tastes like heaven."
- "He talks like his father."
- "The mountains were like a painting in the distance."
To want something or to make a polite request.
Examples
- "I’d like a cup of tea, please."
- "Would you like to join us for dinner?"
- "I’d like to thank you for your help."
- "She would like a job in marketing."
- "They liked the idea of a weekend getaway."
Used to compare two things or to show similarity.
Examples
- "She sings like a professional."
- "It looks like the weather is going to change."
- "He works like a machine."
- "They act like they know everything."
- "It feels like summer today."
A conjunction used to introduce examples or comparisons, commonly in colloquial speech.
Examples
- "It’s, like, totally impossible to do that."
- "He was, like, asking for trouble."
- "She’s, like, really into that band."
- "I feel, like, I’ve been waiting forever."
- "That’s, like, the funniest thing I’ve ever heard."
Cultural Context
'Like' has evolved over centuries from Old English, where it had meanings relating to liking or desiring. Over time, it has become one of the most versatile words in the English language, with a wide range of meanings and uses, from expressing preferences to introducing comparisons. Its informal use in contemporary speech (especially as a filler word) is often noted in popular culture and online discussions.
The Rainy Day Coffee
Story
The Rainy Day Coffee
It was a dreary Tuesday morning in the city. Emily had been staring out the window for a while, watching the rain patter down against the glass. It looked like the weather would be miserable all day. Her friend Mark, however, was in a far better mood, chatting about everything he liked. 'I like the sound of rain,' he said, 'It’s so calming.' Emily smiled. She didn’t quite share his enthusiasm, but she liked hearing about his perspective. After a few moments, Emily turned to him. 'What would you like to do today?' she asked, the question lingering in the air. Mark thought for a moment, his eyes sparkling with excitement. 'I’d like to go for a walk, even if it’s raining,' he replied. Emily raised an eyebrow. 'You like being out in the rain?' 'Yeah, it’s kind of refreshing.' A little later, they were sitting in a cozy café, sipping warm coffee. Emily took a deep breath. 'This coffee tastes like heaven,' she said with a grin. Mark chuckled. 'I know, right? It’s the best.' As they continued talking, they couldn’t help but laugh at how much they liked the simple things in life, like good coffee, a rainy day, and each other's company. The conversation turned more reflective. Emily asked, 'What’s one thing you really like about your job?' Mark shrugged. 'I like how it keeps me busy. But what about you?' Emily smiled thoughtfully. 'I like that I get to help people every day. It makes me feel like I’m making a difference.' As the day came to a close, they found themselves at the window once more, watching the rain fall gently. Emily finally admitted, 'You know, I think I might like walking in the rain, too.' Mark grinned, 'See, I told you.'