like¹ / līk/ • prep. 1. having the same characteristics or qualities as; similar to: there were other suits like mine in the shop they were like brothers she looked nothing like Audrey Hepburn. ∎  in the manner of; in the same way or to the same degree as: he was screaming like a banshee you must run like the wind. ∎  in a way appropriate to: students were angry at being treated like children. ∎  such as one might expect from; characteristic of: just like you to put a damper on people's enjoyment. ∎  used in questions to ask about the characteristics or nature of someone or something: What is it like to be a tuna fisherman? What's she like?2. used to draw attention to the nature of an action or event: I apologize for coming over unannounced like this why are you talking about me like that?3. such as; for example: the cautionary vision of works like Animal Farm and 1984.• conj. inf. 1. in the same way that; as: people who change countries like they change clothes.2. as though; as if: I felt like I'd been kicked by a camel.• n. used with reference to a person or thing of the same kind as another: the quotations could be arranged to put like with like I know him—him and his like. ∎  (the like) a thing or things of the same kind (often used to express surprise or for emphasis): did you ever hear the like? a church interior the like of which he had never seen before.• adj. (of a person or thing) having similar qualities or characteristics to another person or thing: I responded in like manner the grouping of children of like ability together. ∎  (of a portrait or other image) having a faithful resemblance to the original: “Who painted the dog's picture? It's very like.”• adv. 1. inf. used in speech as a meaningless filler or to signify the speaker's uncertainty about an expression just used: there was this funny smell—sort of dusty like.2. inf. used to convey a person's reported attitude or feelings in the form of direct speech (whether or not representing an actual quotation): so she comes into the room and she's like "Where is everybody?" 3. (like as/to) archaic in the manner of: like as a ship with dreadful storm long tossed.PHRASES: and the like and similar things; et cetera.like anything inf. to a great degree: they would probably worry like anything. (as) like as not probably: she would be in bed by now, like as not.like enough (or most like) archaic probably: he'll have lost a deal of blood, I dare say, and like enough he's still losing it.like ——, like —— as —— is, so is ——: like father, like son.like so inf. in this manner: the votive candles are arranged like so.the likes of inf. used of someone or something regarded as a type: she didn't want to associate with the likes of me.more like inf. nearer to (a specified number or description) than one previously given: he believes the figure should be more like $10 million. ∎  (more like it) nearer to what is required or expected; more satisfactory.of (a) like mind (of a person) sharing the same opinions or tastes.like² • v. [tr.] 1. find agreeable, enjoyable, or satisfactory: I like all Angela Carter's stories people who don't like reading books I like to be the center of attention. 2. wish for; want: would you like a cup of coffee? I'd like to rent a car I'd like you to stay [intr.] we would like for you to work for us. ∎  (would like to do something) used as a polite formula: we would like to apologize for the late running of this service. ∎  (not like doing/to do something) feel reluctant to do something: I don't like leaving her on her own too long. ∎  choose to have (something); prefer: how do you like your coffee? ∎  [in questions] feel about or regard (something): how would you like it if it happened to you?• n. (likes) the things one likes or prefers: a wide variety of likes, dislikes, tastes, and income levels.PHRASES: if you like1. if it suits or pleases you: we could go riding if you like.2. used when expressing something in a new or unusual way: it's a whole new branch of chemistry, a new science if you like.I like that! used as an exclamation expressing affront.like it or not inf. used to indicate that someone has no choice in a matter: you're celebrating with us, like it or not.not like the look (or sound) of find worrying or alarming: I don't like the look of that head injury.