How Do You Spell LIKEN?

Pronunciation: [lˈa͡ɪkən] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "liken" is quite simple, but its pronunciation can be a bit tricky. The IPA phonetic transcription for "liken" is /ˈlaɪkən/. It starts with a voiced 'l' sound, followed by a long 'i' sound, and ends with an unstressed 'ən' sound. The 'k' is pronounced as a hard /k/ sound. Overall, the word is easy to spell once you know how to pronounce it correctly, which is essential for clear communication.

LIKEN Meaning and Definition

  1. Liken is a verb that refers to the act of comparing or equating someone or something to another person or thing. It involves finding similarities or similarities in characteristics, qualities, or behavior in order to draw a parallel between them. The term "liken" is most commonly used in the phrase "liken to" followed by the person, object, or situation being compared.

    When someone likens something or someone to another, they are highlighting resemblances or similarities, often for the purpose of explaining or clarifying a complex concept or idea. By likening one thing to another, a speaker or writer can make the unfamiliar more understandable by associating it with something more familiar and relatable.

    This verb plays a significant role in various disciplines, such as literature, rhetoric, and education. In literature, authors often use similarity and comparison to create vivid imagery and help readers visualize and understand abstract concepts. In rhetoric, politicians or speakers may liken their policies to successful historical events to gain support or convey their message effectively. In education, teachers may liken complex topics to everyday examples, helping students grasp and remember abstract ideas more easily.

    Overall, the verb "liken" involves the act of drawing parallels or finding similarities between different entities, whether they are people, objects, situations, or ideas, to enhance understanding and convey meaning.

  2. To compare; to represent as having resemblance.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for LIKEN

Etymology of LIKEN

The word "liken" originated from the Middle English verb "liken" or "liknen". This verb was derived from the Old English word "gelīcian", which meant "to make like" or "to compare". The Old English term was formed by combining the prefix "ge-" (meaning "together" or "comparable") with the word "līcian" (meaning "to like" or "to please"). Ultimately, the Old English word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*galīkaną", which meant "to please" or "to be similar".

Idioms with the word LIKEN

  • liken sm or sth to sm or sth The idiom "liken someone or something to someone or something" means to compare or associate someone or something with another person or thing, highlighting similarities or resemblances between them.

Similar spelling words for LIKEN

Conjugate verb Liken

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have likened
you would have likened
he/she/it would have likened
we would have likened
they would have likened
I would have liken
you would have liken
he/she/it would have liken
we would have liken
they would have liken

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been likening
you would have been likening
he/she/it would have been likening
we would have been likening
they would have been likening

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would liken
you would liken
he/she/it would liken
we would liken
they would liken

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be likening
you would be likening
he/she/it would be likening
we would be likening
they would be likening

FUTURE

I will liken
you will liken
he/she/it will liken
we will liken
they will liken

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be likening
you will be likening
he/she/it will be likening
we will be likening
they will be likening

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have likened
you will have likened
he/she/it will have likened
we will have likened
they will have likened

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been likening
you will have been likening
he/she/it will have been likening
we will have been likening
they will have been likening

IMPERATIVE

you liken
we let´s liken

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to liken

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was likening
you were likening
he/she/it was likening
we were likening
they were likening

PAST PARTICIPLE

likened

PAST PERFECT

I had likened
you had likened
he/she/it had likened
we had likened
they had likened

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been likening
you had been likening
he/she/it had been likening
we had been likening
they had been likening

PRESENT

I liken
you liken
he/she/it likens
we liken
they liken

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am likening
you are likening
he/she/it is likening
we are likening
they are likening

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

likening

PRESENT PERFECT

I have likened
you have likened
he/she/it has likened
we have likened
they have likened

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been likening
you have been likening
he/she/it has been likening
we have been likening
they have been likening

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it liken

SIMPLE PAST

I likened
you likened
he/she/it likened
we likened
they likened

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