liken — ozdic

Definitions

verb

1

Followed by to or (archaic) unto: to regard or state that (someone or something) is like another person or thing; to compare.

The physics teacher likened the effect of mass on space to an indentation in a sheet of rubber.

And vvell may the preacher and plovvman be likened together: Firſt, for their labour in all ſeaſons of the year; for there is no time of the year in vvhich the ploughman hath not ſome ſpecial vvork to do. […] And then they alſo may be likened together for the diverſity of vvorks, and variety of offices that they have to do.

2

Chiefly followed by to: to make (oneself, someone, or something) resemble another person or thing.

Speech is reason's brother, and a kingly prerogative of man, / That likeneth him to his Maker, who spake, and it was done.

3

To represent or symbolize (something).

4

Followed by to: to be like or resemble; also, to become like.

Collocations

2

LIKEN + NOUN

country, death

ADV.

often

Thesaurus

Synonyms

verb — consider or describe as similar, equal, or analogous

Antonyms

Idioms & Phrases

Example Bank

5

01

The physics teacher likened the effect of mass on space to an indentation in a sheet of rubber.

Wiktionary

02

And vvell may the preacher and plovvman be likened together: Firſt, for their labour in all ſeaſons of the year; for there is no time of the year in vvhich the ploughman hath not ſome ſpecial vvork to

Wiktionary

03

In this ſaing S. Auguſtin likeneth the ſacramentes of the olde lavve in reſpect of the ſacramentes of the nevve lavve vnto childrens games, and our ſacramentes he likeneth to the thinges of more profe

Wiktionary

04

We often liken death to sleep.

Tatoeba · #10266821

05

On the Web, I have met Japanese who would liken their country to cozy Guatemala. I call the phenomenon "The Guatemala Model."

Tatoeba · #10663758

Usage Notes

i Register

In some senses, liken is marked as obsolete, rare. Watch for register when choosing this word.