Like vs. Alike: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 6, 2023
"Like" is used to draw comparisons or express preference, while "Alike" is an adjective or adverb describing similarity between two or more entities. The difference lies in usage, function, and grammatical role.
Key Differences
"Like" and "Alike" serve different grammatical functions, even though they convey similarity. "Like" is versatile, acting primarily as a preposition, conjunction, or noun, used to draw comparisons between entities or to denote preference. For example, “She sings like a professional,” compares singing styles, and “I like chocolate,” indicates preference. In contrast, "Alike" is predominantly an adjective or adverb, indicating similarity or equivalence, as in “The houses are alike.”
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
While "Like" can express preference or illustrate similarity between different entities, "Alike" solely denotes similarity and is used when two or more entities share common characteristics. When using "Like," the entities compared can be distinct, as it’s highlighting specific comparable attributes. However, "Alike" implies a more general similarity, suggesting the entities being compared share numerous attributes making them alike in several ways, such as “The twins are very much alike.”
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
"Like" is employed in various contexts and can be used to indicate enjoyment, preference, or likeness, providing a comparison between two or more different entities based on a specific attribute or set of attributes. "Alike" is more straightforward in its application, serving to convey the overall similarity between entities, without necessarily drawing a direct comparison or highlighting specific attributes, indicating that the entities share enough characteristics to be considered similar.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
In grammatical construction, "Like" is more flexible and has diverse uses, either as a preposition to compare nouns or pronouns or as a verb to express preference. Conversely, "Alike" is more constrained in its grammatical roles, primarily serving as an adverb or adjective to indicate similarity, without drawing attention to specific characteristics or attributes. For instance, “They think alike” implies similar thought processes without specifying the exact thoughts.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Comparison Chart
Function
Acts as a preposition, conjunction, or noun.
Serves as an adjective or adverb.
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Sep 25, 2023
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Usage
Draws comparisons or expresses preference.
Describes similarity between two or more entities.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Application
Used in various contexts to indicate likeness or preference.
Used to convey overall similarity between entities.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Flexibility
More flexible with diverse grammatical uses.
More constrained, mainly indicating similarity.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Specificity
Can highlight specific attributes for comparison.
Implies a general similarity without specifying attributes.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023
Like and Alike Definitions
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Alike
Similar in appearance, nature, or form.
The sisters are alike in many ways.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023
Like
To find pleasant or attractive; enjoy
Do you like ice cream? I like your style.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
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Alike
Equivalent or similar in various respects.
The twins are alike in temperament.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023
Alike
Having close resemblance; similar
The twins are as alike as two peas in a pod. Friends are generally alike in background and tastes.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
To believe or predict that (a certain competitor) will win a contest
Which team do you like in tonight's game?.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
To perform well under (a given condition) or using (a given feature)
This car does not like cold weather. The engine does not like enriched fuel.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Alike
Having resemblance or similitude; similar; without difference.
The twins were alike.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Alike
In the same manner, form, or degree; in common; equally.
We are all alike concerned in religion.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
To have an inclination or a preference
If you like, we can meet you there.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Alike
Having resemblance or similitude; similar; without difference.
The darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Alike
In the same manner, form, or degree; in common; equally; as, we are all alike concerned in religion.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
Something that is liked; a preference
Made a list of his likes and dislikes.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Alike
Having the same or similar characteristics;
All politicians are alike
They looked utterly alike
Friends are generaly alike in background and taste
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
One similar to or like another. Used with the
Was subject to coughs, asthma, and the like.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
Often likes(Informal) An equivalent or similar person or thing; an equal or match
I've never seen the likes of this before. We'll never see his like again.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
Possessing the characteristics of; resembling closely; similar to
Your house is like mine.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
Such as; for example
Saved things like old newspapers and pieces of string.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
Possessing the same or almost the same characteristics; similar
On this and like occasions.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
In the manner of being; as if. Used as an intensifier of action
Worked like hell.
Ran like crazy.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
(Nonstandard) Used to provide emphasis or to focus attention on something
Let's like talk about this for a minute. It's like so crowded you can't move.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
In the same way that; as
To dance like she does requires great discipline.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
To enjoy, be pleased by; favor; be in favor of.
I like hamburgers.
I like skiing in winter.
I like the Seattle Mariners this season.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
To prefer and maintain (an action) as a regular habit or activity.
I like to go to the dentist every six months.
She likes to keep herself physically fit.
We like to keep one around the office just in case.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
(obsolete) To have an appearance or expression; to look; to seem to be (in a specified condition).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
(archaic) To come near; to avoid with difficulty; to escape narrowly.
He liked to have been too late.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
To find attractive; to prefer the company of; to have mild romantic feelings for.
I really like Sandra but don't know how to tell her.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
To show support for, or approval of, something posted on the Internet by marking it with a vote.
I liked my friend's last status on Facebook.
I can't stand Bloggs' tomato ketchup, but I liked it on Facebook so I could enter a competition.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
(with 'would' and in certain other phrases) To want, desire. See also would like.
Would you like a cigarette?
We could go to the museum if you like.
I don't like to disturb him when he's working.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
To accept as an input.
We were frustrated that our seeming innocent choice for a team name was rejected by the censor. Apparently somewhere in the name is a word that the censor doesn’t like.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
Something that a person likes (prefers).
Tell me your likes and dislikes.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
(internet) An individual vote showing support for, approval of, or enjoyment of, something posted on the Internet.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
(sometimes as the likes of) Someone similar to a given person, or something similar to a given object; a comparative; a type; a sort.
There were bowls full of sweets, chocolates and the like.
It was something the likes of which I had never seen before.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
(golf) The stroke that equalizes the number of strokes played by the opposing player or side.
To play the like
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Apr 05, 2023
Like
Similar.
My partner and I have like minds.
The two cats were as like as though they had come from the same litter.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
Inclined (to), prone (to).
He seems like to run from any semblance of hard work.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
As if; as though.
It looks like you've finished the project.
It seemed like you didn't care.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
Used to ask for a description or opinion of someone or something
I hear she has a new boyfriend. What's he like?
What's the weather like in Ürümqi today?
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
Having the same, or nearly the same, appearance, qualities, or characteristics; resembling; similar to; similar; alike; - often with in and the particulars of the resemblance; as, they are like each other in features, complexion, and many traits of character.
'T is as like youAs cherry is to cherry.
Like master, like man.
He giveth snow like wool; he scattereth the hoar-frost like ashes.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
Equal, or nearly equal; as, fields of like extent.
More clergymen were impoverished by the late war than ever in the like space before.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
Having probability; affording probability; probable; likely.
But it is like the jolly world about us will scoff at the paradox of these practices.
Many were not easy to be governed, nor like to conform themselves to strict rules.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
Inclined toward; disposed to; as, to feel like taking a walk.
Had like to have been my utter overthrow.
Ramona had like to have said the literal truth, . . . but recollected herself in time.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
That which is equal or similar to another; the counterpart; an exact resemblance; a copy.
He was a man, take him for all in all,I shall not look upon his like again.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
A liking; a preference; inclination; - usually in pl.; as, we all have likes and dislikes.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
The stroke which equalizes the number of strokes played by the opposing player or side; as, to play the like.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
In a manner like that of; in a manner similar to; as, do not act like him.
He maketh them to stagger like a drunken man.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
In a like or similar manner.
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
To suit; to please; to be agreeable to.
Cornwall him liked best, therefore he chose there.
I willingly confess that it likes me much better when I find virtue in a fair lodging than when I am bound to seek it in an ill-favored creature.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
To be pleased with in a moderate degree; to approve; to take satisfaction in; to enjoy.
He proceeded from looking to liking, and from liking to loving.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
To have an appearance or expression; to look; to seem to be (in a specified condition).
You like well, and bear your years very well.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
Prefer or wish to do something;
Do you care to try this dish?
Would you like to come along to the movies?
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
Find enjoyable or agreeable;
I like jogging
She likes to read Russian novels
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
Feel about or towards; consider, evaluate, or regard;
How did you like the President's speech last night?
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
Resembling or similar; having the same or some of the same characteristics; often used in combination;
Suits of like design
A limited circle of like minds
Members of the cat family have like dispositions
As like as two peas in a pod
Doglike devotion
A dreamlike quality
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
Equal in amount or value;
Like amounts
Equivalent amounts
The same amount
Gave one six blows and the other a like number
An equal number
The same number
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
Having the same or similar characteristics;
All politicians are alike
They looked utterly alike
Friends are generaly alike in background and taste
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Like
Conforming in every respect;
Boxes with corresponding dimensions
The like period of the preceding year
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
FAQs
Is "Alike" used to describe similarities between entities?
Yes, "Alike" primarily denotes similarity or equivalence between two or more entities.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Can "Like" and "Alike" be used interchangeably?
Generally, no, as "Like" can express preference or draw comparisons, while "Alike" denotes similarity.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Can "Like" be used to express enjoyment?
Absolutely, "Like" can indicate enjoyment or preference for something.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Does "Alike" imply a more general similarity?
Indeed, "Alike" implies a broader similarity without specifying the attributes.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Can "Alike" be used to convey overall similarity without direct comparison?
Exactly, "Alike" denotes overall similarity without drawing direct comparison or highlighting specific attributes.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Does "Like" act as a preposition and a verb?
Yes, "Like" can act as both, denoting preference as a verb and drawing comparisons as a preposition.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Is "Alike" an adjective and an adverb?
Yes, "Alike" can serve as both an adjective and an adverb to describe similarity.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023
Can "Like" highlight specific comparable attributes?
Yes, "Like" can be used to compare specific attributes between different entities.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Does "Alike" need to be used with entities that share numerous attributes?
Generally, yes, "Alike" implies that entities share several attributes making them broadly similar.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Does "Like" act as a conjunction as well?
Yes, "Like" can also serve as a conjunction to introduce clauses.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023
Is "Like" used in varied contexts?
Yes, "Like" has diverse uses and can be applied in multiple contexts to indicate likeness or preference.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Can "Like" indicate similarity between distinct entities?
Absolutely, "Like" can draw comparisons based on specific attributes between different entities.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Is "Alike" more constrained in its grammatical roles?
Yes, "Alike" is primarily used as an adjective or adverb to indicate similarity.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Can "Like" serve to compare nouns or pronouns?
Yes, as a preposition, "Like" can compare nouns or pronouns.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Can "Alike" specify the exact characteristics in comparison?
Typically, no, "Alike" conveys similarity without detailing the exact characteristics.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
