liken

Everyday

1. To say that one thing is like another; to compare them. tree →
2. Used with «to»: «liken A to B» means say A is similar to B. tree →

In the lessons

In English lessons about figurative language, writers liken things to other things (similes and metaphors): a poet likens the moon to a silver coin. In history and science, people liken the heart to a pump or the brain to a computer. Phrases: liken something to something, often likened to.

Examples

• The poet likens the sea to a hungry dog. tree →
• Scientists liken the heart to a pump. tree →
• Many people liken the city to a giant ant nest. tree →
• He was often likened to his famous grandfather. tree →
• Our teacher likened the brain to a busy library. tree →
• The story likens growing up to climbing a mountain. tree →
• I wouldn't liken a cat to a dog; they are so different. tree →

Note

Regular verb: likened, likening. Always «liken X to Y», not «with». A bit formal; in speech say «compare to» or «say it's like». Do not confuse with «like» (enjoy) or «likely».

In Jewish tradition

It means to compare one thing to another. Isaiah asks to whom people can compare God.

Interpretation. Isaiah's question is read as teaching that God is like nothing else and cannot be pictured, which is why idols are foolish.

Examples

• To whom then will ye liken God? (Prophets ISA.40.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• What shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? (Writings LAM.2.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• To whom then will ye liken Me, that I should be equal? saith the Holy One. (Prophets ISA.40.25, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: likened, likening. Always «liken X to Y», not «with». A bit formal; in speech say «compare to» or «say it's like». Do not confuse with «like» (enjoy) or «likely».