like
UK: laɪk | US: laɪk
v. to enjoy or approve of something/someone
v. to want or prefer something
prep. similar to; in the same way as
adj. having similar characteristics
conj. (informal) as though
The word "like" originates from Old English līcian ("to please, be agreeable"), derived from Proto-Germanic līkōną ("to be like"). The root lik- carries the core meaning of "similarity" or "sameness," which persists in modern usage (e.g., "alike," "likeness"). Over time, it expanded from describing resemblance ("similar to") to expressing preference ("enjoy"). The verb suffix -e (now dropped) marked Old English infinitives.
She likes chocolate ice cream best.
Would you like some coffee?
He runs like the wind.
They have like personalities.
It looks like it might rain.