From Middle English liknen (“to be comparable; to compare (often disparagingly); to make (someone) equal to another person; to regard (something) as equal to another thing; to regard (something) as likely; to resemble; to take (something) as a substitute; to apply, be adapted or suitable; to tend (to sin)”) [and other forms], from liken (“to be comparable; to compare; to be appropriate; to form”), from lik (“alike, analogous, similar; appropriate, suitable; equal; homogeneous; identical, the same; indicative; likely (to be or do something), probable; possible; simultaneous; more or most like (?)”) + -en (suffix forming infinitives of verbs). Lik is derived from Old English ġelīċ (“like, similar”), from Proto-Germanic *galīkaz (“like, similar; equal”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *leyg- (“like, similar; even, level”). The English word is analysable as like (adjective) + -en (suffix forming verbs with the sense ‘to make [adjective]’).

Synonyms

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equate compare

Antonyms

contrast

Related words

line match difference equal comparison contrast compare distinction

Rhymes for liken

Aiken

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of liken?

"liken" (verb) means to say that one person or thing is similar to another; to compare them.

What is another word for liken?

Other words for "liken" include equate, compare.

What is the opposite of liken?

The opposite of "liken" is contrast.

What are the different meanings of liken?

"liken" has 3 main meanings: 1. To say that one person or thing is similar to another; to compare them; 2. To make someone or something look or seem like another person or thing; 3. To stand for or symbolise something else.

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line match difference equal comparison contrast compare distinction