Like vs. Alike: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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.”
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.”
"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.
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.
Comparison Chart
Function
Acts as a preposition, conjunction, or noun.
Serves as an adjective or adverb.
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Usage
Draws comparisons or expresses preference.
Describes similarity between two or more entities.
Application
Used in various contexts to indicate likeness or preference.
Used to convey overall similarity between entities.
Flexibility
More flexible with diverse grammatical uses.
More constrained, mainly indicating similarity.
Specificity
Can highlight specific attributes for comparison.
Implies a general similarity without specifying attributes.
Like and Alike Definitions
Like
In the manner of.
Running like the wind.
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Alike
Similar in appearance, nature, or form.
The sisters are alike in many ways.
Like
Characteristic of.
It's not like you to be late.
Alike
To a similar degree.
They both think alike.
Like
To find pleasant or attractive; enjoy
Do you like ice cream? I like your style.
Alike
In the same manner or form.
The houses were built alike.
Like
To want to have
I would like some coffee.
Alike
Equivalent or similar in various respects.
The twins are alike in temperament.
Like
To prefer
How would you like your coffee—with sugar or without?.
Alike
Having no marked difference.
The plans are much alike.
Like
To feel about; regard
How do you like these new theater seats?.
Alike
Having close resemblance; similar
The twins are as alike as two peas in a pod. Friends are generally alike in background and tastes.
Like
To believe or predict that (a certain competitor) will win a contest
Which team do you like in tonight's game?.
Alike
In the same manner or to the same degree
They dress and walk alike.
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.
Alike
Having resemblance or similitude; similar; without difference.
The twins were alike.
Like
(Archaic) To be pleasing to.
Alike
In the same manner, form, or degree; in common; equally.
We are all alike concerned in religion.
Like
To have an inclination or a preference
If you like, we can meet you there.
Alike
Having resemblance or similitude; similar; without difference.
The darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
Like
(Scots) To be pleased.
Alike
In the same manner, form, or degree; in common; equally; as, we are all alike concerned in religion.
Like
Something that is liked; a preference
Made a list of his likes and dislikes.
Alike
Having the same or similar characteristics;
All politicians are alike
They looked utterly alike
Friends are generaly alike in background and taste
Like
One similar to or like another. Used with the
Was subject to coughs, asthma, and the like.
Alike
Equally;
Parents and teachers alike demanded reforms
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.
Alike
In a like manner;
They walk alike
Like
Possessing the characteristics of; resembling closely; similar to
Your house is like mine.
Like
In the typical manner of
It's not like you to take offense.
Like
In the same way as
Lived like royalty.
Like
Inclined or disposed to
Felt like running away.
Like
As if the probability exists for
Looks like a bad year for farmers.
Like
Such as; for example
Saved things like old newspapers and pieces of string.
Like
Possessing the same or almost the same characteristics; similar
On this and like occasions.
Like
In the manner of being; as if. Used as an intensifier of action
Worked like hell.
Ran like crazy.
Like
(Informal) Probably; likely
Like as not she'll change her mind.
Like
Nearly; approximately
The price is more like 1,000 dollars.
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.
Like
In the same way that; as
To dance like she does requires great discipline.
Like
As if
It looks like we'll finish on time.
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.
Like
To please.
Like
(obsolete) To derive pleasure of, by or with someone or something.
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.
Like
(obsolete) To have an appearance or expression; to look; to seem to be (in a specified condition).
Like
(archaic) To come near; to avoid with difficulty; to escape narrowly.
He liked to have been too late.
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.
Like
(obsolete) To liken; to compare.
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.
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.
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.
Like
To be likely.
Like
Something that a person likes (prefers).
Tell me your likes and dislikes.
Like
(internet) An individual vote showing support for, approval of, or enjoyment of, something posted on the Internet.
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.
Like
(golf) The stroke that equalizes the number of strokes played by the opposing player or side.
To play the like
Like
Similar.
My partner and I have like minds.
The two cats were as like as though they had come from the same litter.
Like
Likely; probable.
Like
Inclined (to), prone (to).
He seems like to run from any semblance of hard work.
Like
Likely.
Like
In a like or similar manner.
Like
(colloquial) As, the way.
Like
As if; as though.
It looks like you've finished the project.
It seemed like you didn't care.
Like
Similar to, reminiscent of
Like
Typical of
It would be just like Achilles to be sulking in his tent.
Like
Approximating
Popcorn costs something like $10 dollars at the movies.
Like
In the manner of, similarly to
He doesn't act like a president.
Like
Such as
It's for websites like Wikipedia.
Like
As if there would be
It looks like a hot summer in Europe.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Like
A liking; a preference; inclination; - usually in pl.; as, we all have likes and dislikes.
Like
The stroke which equalizes the number of strokes played by the opposing player or side; as, to play the like.
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.
Like
In a like or similar manner.
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.
Like
Likely; probably.
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.
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.
Like
To liken; to compare.
Like me to the peasant boys of France.
Like
To be pleased; to choose.
He may either go or stay, as he best likes.
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.
Like
Prefer or wish to do something;
Do you care to try this dish?
Would you like to come along to the movies?
Like
Find enjoyable or agreeable;
I like jogging
She likes to read Russian novels
Like
Be fond of;
I like my nephews
Like
Feel about or towards; consider, evaluate, or regard;
How did you like the President's speech last night?
Like
Want to have;
I'd like a beer now!
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
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
Like
Having the same or similar characteristics;
All politicians are alike
They looked utterly alike
Friends are generaly alike in background and taste
Like
Conforming in every respect;
Boxes with corresponding dimensions
The like period of the preceding year
Like
Similar to.
Your idea is like mine.
Like
Having preference for.
I like pizza.
Like
Such as.
Places like New York are lively.
FAQs
Is "Alike" used to describe similarities between entities?
Yes, "Alike" primarily denotes similarity or equivalence between two or more entities.
Can "Like" and "Alike" be used interchangeably?
Generally, no, as "Like" can express preference or draw comparisons, while "Alike" denotes similarity.
Can "Like" be used to express enjoyment?
Absolutely, "Like" can indicate enjoyment or preference for something.
Does "Alike" imply a more general similarity?
Indeed, "Alike" implies a broader similarity without specifying the attributes.
Can "Alike" be used to convey overall similarity without direct comparison?
Exactly, "Alike" denotes overall similarity without drawing direct comparison or highlighting specific attributes.
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.
Is "Alike" an adjective and an adverb?
Yes, "Alike" can serve as both an adjective and an adverb to describe similarity.
Can "Like" highlight specific comparable attributes?
Yes, "Like" can be used to compare specific attributes between different entities.
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.
Does "Like" act as a conjunction as well?
Yes, "Like" can also serve as a conjunction to introduce clauses.
Is "Like" used in varied contexts?
Yes, "Like" has diverse uses and can be applied in multiple contexts to indicate likeness or preference.
Can "Like" indicate similarity between distinct entities?
Absolutely, "Like" can draw comparisons based on specific attributes between different entities.
Is "Alike" more constrained in its grammatical roles?
Yes, "Alike" is primarily used as an adjective or adverb to indicate similarity.
Can "Like" serve to compare nouns or pronouns?
Yes, as a preposition, "Like" can compare nouns or pronouns.
Can "Alike" specify the exact characteristics in comparison?
Typically, no, "Alike" conveys similarity without detailing the exact characteristics.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
