liken
UK: ˈlaɪkən | US: ˈlaɪkən
vt. to compare or represent as similar
vt. to describe as resembling something else
The word "liken" originates from the Old English "līcian," meaning "to please" or "be like," combined with the verb-forming suffix "-en." Over time, "like" evolved to denote resemblance, and "-en" was added to create a verb meaning "to make similar" or "compare." This construction reflects a straightforward Germanic pattern of combining a root with a suffix to form new verbs.
She likened the storm's fury to a raging beast.
Critics often liken his writing style to Hemingway's.
The teacher asked students to liken the cell structure to a factory.
He likened the political debate to a gladiatorial arena.
Ancient myths liken the sunrise to a chariot racing across the sky.