alike
uh-LYK
Alike (adj) means Similar or resembling one another. Example: “The two houses are so alike that visitors often knock on the wrong door.”
adj
1
Similar or resembling one another.
"The two houses are so alike that visitors often knock on the wrong door."
"My sisters aren't alike at all, although they grew up in the same home."
"The twins look so alike that even their teachers mix them up."
adv
1
In the same way; equally, often used after a list to mean "both/all of these".
"The festival delighted young and old alike with its music and food."
"Teachers and pupils alike were sorry to see the headmaster leave."
"The new policy affects employees and managers alike."
"The new policy will benefit employees and customers alike."
How to use alike
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSimilar to each other, or "equally" when placed after a list of people or things.
Common pairings
look alike
young and old alike
think alike
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more alike
- Superlative
- most alike
Fill the gap
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The two houses are so _____ that visitors often knock on the wrong door.
Etymology
From Old English gelic ("alike, similar"), related to German gleich.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for alike
See all rhymes for alike →Frequently asked questions
What does “alike” mean?
The word “alike” means similar or resembling one another. In plain terms, similar to each other, or "equally" when placed after a list of people or things.
How do you pronounce “alike”?
“Alike” is pronounced uh-LYK (/əˈlaɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “alike” in a sentence?
Here is “alike” used in a sentence: “The twins look so alike that even their teachers mix them up.”
What is the opposite of “alike”?
The opposite of “alike” — its antonyms — is unlike.
What part of speech is “alike”?
Depending on how it is used, “alike” can be an adjective and an adverb.
Where does the word “alike” come from?
The word “alike” comes from Old English. From Old English gelic ("alike, similar"), related to German gleich.
Is “alike” a common word?
“Alike” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “alike” have?
“Alike” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: similar or resembling one another.
What is the difference between 'alike' and 'similar'?
Both describe things that resemble one another, but 'alike' normally comes after the noun or verb it describes, as in 'the twins look alike,' while 'similar' usually comes before a noun, as in 'a similar design.' 'Alike' can also act as an adverb meaning 'equally' or 'in the same way.'
Why can't you say 'alike people' or 'alike ideas'?
'Alike' is a predicative adjective, meaning it normally follows a linking verb rather than sitting directly in front of a noun. You would say 'the two ideas are alike' rather than 'alike ideas'; to place a word before the noun, use 'similar' or 'matching' instead.
What is the difference between 'alike' and 'like'?
'Like' is usually a preposition or conjunction that compares one thing to another, as in 'she sings like her mother,' while 'alike' is an adjective or adverb describing two or more things that resemble each other, as in 'the sisters sing alike.' 'Alike' does not take an object, so you cannot say 'alike her mother.'
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