Like vs. Alike — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 8, 2024
"Like" is a versatile word used as a verb, preposition, or conjunction to express preference or similarity. "Alike," on the other hand, is an adjective or adverb denoting that two or more items share similarities.
Difference Between Like and Alike
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Key Differences
"Like" functions as a preposition when comparing or likening objects, such as "She runs like a gazelle." "Alike" is an adjective that indicates similar characteristics between subjects, as in "The twins look alike."
As a verb, "like" expresses preference or approval: "I like pizza." "Alike" doesn't function as a verb but is used adverbially, meaning "in a similar manner": "They dress alike."
In informal contexts, "like" can serve as a filler word to convey uncertainty or emphasis: "It's, like, amazing!" "Alike" remains consistent as an adjective or adverb.
"Like" is used as a conjunction to mean "as if" or "the way that": "It sounds like you're interested." "Alike" isn't used as a conjunction, sticking strictly to its descriptive roles.
"Like" has a broader set of grammatical functions and everyday usage. "Alike" is more limited but specialized in emphasizing strong similarity.
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Comparison Chart
Parts of Speech
Verb, preposition, conjunction, filler word
Adjective, adverb
Function
Expresses preference, similarity, comparison
Emphasizes strong resemblance
Informal Usage
Common as a filler word
Rarely used informally
Comparative Use
"He sings like a professional."
"The brothers are alike."
Grammatical Scope
Versatile usage across contexts
Limited to descriptive functions
Compare with Definitions
Like
Having similar characteristics to something else.
She swims like a dolphin.
Alike
In the same way.
The two parties agreed alike.
Like
In the same way as something.
It looks like it's going to rain.
Alike
In a similar manner.
They think alike on many issues.
Like
An informal speech habit.
It's, like, totally cool!
Alike
Identical in effect.
Their opinions were alike.
Like
Approval or support through social media interaction.
His post received a lot of likes.
Alike
Similar in appearance or nature.
The siblings are very much alike.
Like
To show preference or approval.
I like watching movies.
Alike
Comparable in scope or extent.
Their contributions were alike.
Like
In English, the word like has a very flexible range of uses, ranging from conventional to non-standard. It can be used as a noun, verb, adverb, adjective, preposition, particle, conjunction, hedge, filler, and quotative.
Alike
Alike or Aalike (Village ID 617591) is a village in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, India. The languages spoken are Tulu, Kannada, Beary, Urdu, and Konkani.
Like
Having the same characteristics or qualities as; similar to
She looked nothing like Audrey Hepburn
He used to have a car like mine
They were like brothers
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
Used to draw attention to the nature of an action or event
Why are you talking about me like that?
I apologize for coming over unannounced like this
Alike
In the same manner or to the same degree
They dress and walk alike.
Like
Such as; for example
The cautionary vision of works like Animal Farm and 1984
Alike
Having resemblance or similitude; similar; without difference.
The twins were alike.
Like
In the same way that; as
People who change countries like they change clothes
Alike
In the same manner, form, or degree; in common; equally.
We are all alike concerned in religion.
Like
As though; as if
I felt like I'd been kicked by a camel
Alike
Having resemblance or similitude; similar; without difference.
The darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
Like
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
Alike
In the same manner, form, or degree; in common; equally; as, we are all alike concerned in religion.
Like
The things one likes or prefers
A wide variety of likes, dislikes, tastes, and income levels
Alike
Having the same or similar characteristics;
All politicians are alike
They looked utterly alike
Friends are generaly alike in background and taste
Like
(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
Alike
Equally;
Parents and teachers alike demanded reforms
Like
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
Alike
In a like manner;
They walk alike
Like
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?’
Like
In the manner of
Like as a ship with dreadful storm long tossed
Like
Find agreeable, enjoyable, or satisfactory
People who don't like reading books
All his classmates liked him
I like to be the centre of attention
Like
Wish for; want
I'd like to hire a car
Would you like a cup of coffee?
I'd like you to stay
Like
To find pleasant or attractive; enjoy
Do you like ice cream? I like your style.
Like
To want to have
I would like some coffee.
Like
To prefer
How would you like your coffee—with sugar or without?.
Like
To feel about; regard
How do you like these new theater seats?.
Like
To believe or predict that (a certain competitor) will win a contest
Which team do you like in tonight's game?.
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.
Like
(Archaic) To be pleasing to.
Like
To have an inclination or a preference
If you like, we can meet you there.
Like
(Scots) To be pleased.
Like
Something that is liked; a preference
Made a list of his likes and dislikes.
Like
One similar to or like another. Used with the
Was subject to coughs, asthma, and the like.
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.
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
Common Curiosities
Is "like" always used to express similarity?
Not always. It can also show preference (as a verb) or function as a conjunction, among other uses.
Is "like" informal when used as a filler word?
Yes, using "like" as a filler word is common in informal speech.
Can "alike" be used to compare more than two objects?
Yes, "alike" can compare multiple items as long as they share similar characteristics.
What is a formal alternative to "like" as a filler word?
Instead of "like" as a filler, use precise terms such as "approximately," "about," or "nearly."
Are "like" and "alike" interchangeable?
No, "like" and "alike" have different grammatical roles and aren't interchangeable.
Can "alike" be used as a verb like "like"?
No, "alike" is only an adjective or adverb.
Is "like" more versatile than "alike"?
Yes, "like" is more versatile and can be used in a variety of grammatical roles.
Does "alike" always imply identicalness?
No, "alike" implies similarity but not necessarily exactness.
Can "alike" be used as a synonym for "identical"?
"Alike" suggests similarity but not perfect identity.
How does "alike" work as an adverb?
It shows that something is done in a similar way, like "They think alike."
What role does "like" play in social media?
As a noun, it represents approval or support through interactions like "likes" on posts.
Can "like" be used for emphasis?
Yes, especially in casual speech, "like" often adds emphasis or uncertainty.
Does "alike" have a plural form?
No, "alike" remains the same regardless of the subject.
Should "like" be used in formal writing as a filler?
It's best to avoid using "like" as a filler in formal writing.
Is "like" only used in speech?
No, "like" is also frequently used in writing for comparison, preference, and other functions.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
