Like vs. Alike — What's the Difference?

By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 8, 2024

"Like" is a versatile word used as a verb, preposition, or conjunction to express preference or similarity. "Alike," on the other hand, is an adjective or adverb denoting that two or more items share similarities.

Difference Between Like and Alike

Key Differences

"Like" functions as a preposition when comparing or likening objects, such as "She runs like a gazelle." "Alike" is an adjective that indicates similar characteristics between subjects, as in "The twins look alike."

As a verb, "like" expresses preference or approval: "I like pizza." "Alike" doesn't function as a verb but is used adverbially, meaning "in a similar manner": "They dress alike."

In informal contexts, "like" can serve as a filler word to convey uncertainty or emphasis: "It's, like, amazing!" "Alike" remains consistent as an adjective or adverb.

"Like" is used as a conjunction to mean "as if" or "the way that": "It sounds like you're interested." "Alike" isn't used as a conjunction, sticking strictly to its descriptive roles.

"Like" has a broader set of grammatical functions and everyday usage. "Alike" is more limited but specialized in emphasizing strong similarity.

Comparison Chart

Parts of Speech

Verb, preposition, conjunction, filler word

Adjective, adverb

Function

Expresses preference, similarity, comparison

Emphasizes strong resemblance

Informal Usage

Common as a filler word

Rarely used informally

Comparative Use

"He sings like a professional."

"The brothers are alike."

Grammatical Scope

Versatile usage across contexts

Limited to descriptive functions

Compare with Definitions

Like

Having similar characteristics to something else.

She swims like a dolphin.

Alike

In the same way.

The two parties agreed alike.

Like

In the same way as something.

It looks like it's going to rain.

Alike

In a similar manner.

They think alike on many issues.

Like

An informal speech habit.

It's, like, totally cool!

Alike

Identical in effect.

Their opinions were alike.

Like

Approval or support through social media interaction.

His post received a lot of likes.

Alike

Similar in appearance or nature.

The siblings are very much alike.

Like

To show preference or approval.

I like watching movies.

Alike

Comparable in scope or extent.

Their contributions were alike.

Like

In English, the word like has a very flexible range of uses, ranging from conventional to non-standard. It can be used as a noun, verb, adverb, adjective, preposition, particle, conjunction, hedge, filler, and quotative.

Alike

Alike or Aalike (Village ID 617591) is a village in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, India. The languages spoken are Tulu, Kannada, Beary, Urdu, and Konkani.

Like

Having the same characteristics or qualities as; similar to

She looked nothing like Audrey Hepburn

He used to have a car like mine

They were like brothers

Alike

Having close resemblance; similar

The twins are as alike as two peas in a pod. Friends are generally alike in background and tastes.

Like

Used to draw attention to the nature of an action or event

Why are you talking about me like that?

I apologize for coming over unannounced like this

Alike

In the same manner or to the same degree

They dress and walk alike.

Like

Such as; for example

The cautionary vision of works like Animal Farm and 1984

Alike

Having resemblance or similitude; similar; without difference.

The twins were alike.

Like

In the same way that; as

People who change countries like they change clothes

Alike

In the same manner, form, or degree; in common; equally.

We are all alike concerned in religion.

Like

As though; as if

I felt like I'd been kicked by a camel

Alike

Having resemblance or similitude; similar; without difference.

The darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

Like

Used with reference to a person or thing of the same kind as another

The quotations could be arranged to put like with like

I know him—him and his like

Alike

In the same manner, form, or degree; in common; equally; as, we are all alike concerned in religion.

Like

The things one likes or prefers

A wide variety of likes, dislikes, tastes, and income levels

Alike

Having the same or similar characteristics;

All politicians are alike

They looked utterly alike

Friends are generaly alike in background and taste

Like

(of a person or thing) having similar qualities or characteristics to another person or thing

I responded in like manner

The grouping of children of like ability together

Alike

Equally;

Parents and teachers alike demanded reforms

Like

Used in speech as a meaningless filler or to signify the speaker's uncertainty about an expression just used

There was this funny smell—sort of dusty like

Alike

In a like manner;

They walk alike

Like

Used to convey a person's reported attitude or feelings in the form of direct speech (whether or not representing an actual quotation)

So she comes into the room and she's like ‘Where is everybody?’

Like

In the manner of

Like as a ship with dreadful storm long tossed

Like

Find agreeable, enjoyable, or satisfactory

People who don't like reading books

All his classmates liked him

I like to be the centre of attention

Like

Wish for; want

I'd like to hire a car

Would you like a cup of coffee?

I'd like you to stay

Like

To find pleasant or attractive; enjoy

Do you like ice cream? I like your style.

Like

To want to have

I would like some coffee.

Like

To prefer

How would you like your coffee—with sugar or without?.

Like

To feel about; regard

How do you like these new theater seats?.

Like

To believe or predict that (a certain competitor) will win a contest

Which team do you like in tonight's game?.

Like

To perform well under (a given condition) or using (a given feature)

This car does not like cold weather. The engine does not like enriched fuel.

Like

(Archaic) To be pleasing to.

Like

To have an inclination or a preference

If you like, we can meet you there.

Like

(Scots) To be pleased.

Like

Something that is liked; a preference

Made a list of his likes and dislikes.

Like

One similar to or like another. Used with the

Was subject to coughs, asthma, and the like.

Like

Often likes(Informal) An equivalent or similar person or thing; an equal or match

I've never seen the likes of this before. We'll never see his like again.

Like

Possessing the characteristics of; resembling closely; similar to

Your house is like mine.

Like

In the typical manner of

It's not like you to take offense.

Like

In the same way as

Lived like royalty.

Like

Inclined or disposed to

Felt like running away.

Like

As if the probability exists for

Looks like a bad year for farmers.

Like

Such as; for example

Saved things like old newspapers and pieces of string.

Like

Possessing the same or almost the same characteristics; similar

On this and like occasions.

Like

In the manner of being; as if. Used as an intensifier of action

Worked like hell.

Ran like crazy.

Like

(Informal) Probably; likely

Like as not she'll change her mind.

Like

Nearly; approximately

The price is more like 1,000 dollars.

Like

(Nonstandard) Used to provide emphasis or to focus attention on something

Let's like talk about this for a minute. It's like so crowded you can't move.

Like

In the same way that; as

To dance like she does requires great discipline.

Like

As if

It looks like we'll finish on time.

Like

To enjoy, be pleased by; favor; be in favor of.

I like hamburgers.

I like skiing in winter.

I like the Seattle Mariners this season.

Like

To please.

Like

(obsolete) To derive pleasure of, by or with someone or something.

Like

To prefer and maintain (an action) as a regular habit or activity.

I like to go to the dentist every six months.

She likes to keep herself physically fit.

We like to keep one around the office just in case.

Like

(obsolete) To have an appearance or expression; to look; to seem to be (in a specified condition).

Like

(archaic) To come near; to avoid with difficulty; to escape narrowly.

He liked to have been too late.

Like

To find attractive; to prefer the company of; to have mild romantic feelings for.

I really like Sandra but don't know how to tell her.

Like

(obsolete) To liken; to compare.

Like

To show support for, or approval of, something posted on the Internet by marking it with a vote.

I liked my friend's last status on Facebook.

I can't stand Bloggs' tomato ketchup, but I liked it on Facebook so I could enter a competition.

Like

(with 'would' and in certain other phrases) To want, desire. See also would like.

Would you like a cigarette?

We could go to the museum if you like.

I don't like to disturb him when he's working.

Like

To accept as an input.

We were frustrated that our seeming innocent choice for a team name was rejected by the censor. Apparently somewhere in the name is a word that the censor doesn’t like.

Like

To be likely.

Like

Something that a person likes (prefers).

Tell me your likes and dislikes.

Like

(internet) An individual vote showing support for, approval of, or enjoyment of, something posted on the Internet.

Like

(sometimes as the likes of) Someone similar to a given person, or something similar to a given object; a comparative; a type; a sort.

There were bowls full of sweets, chocolates and the like.

It was something the likes of which I had never seen before.

Like

(golf) The stroke that equalizes the number of strokes played by the opposing player or side.

To play the like

Like

Similar.

My partner and I have like minds.

The two cats were as like as though they had come from the same litter.

Like

Likely; probable.

Like

Inclined (to), prone (to).

He seems like to run from any semblance of hard work.

Like

Likely.

Like

In a like or similar manner.

Like

(colloquial) As, the way.

Like

As if; as though.

It looks like you've finished the project.

It seemed like you didn't care.

Like

Similar to, reminiscent of

Like

Typical of

It would be just like Achilles to be sulking in his tent.

Like

Approximating

Popcorn costs something like $10 dollars at the movies.

Like

In the manner of, similarly to

He doesn't act like a president.

Like

Such as

It's for websites like Wikipedia.

Like

As if there would be

It looks like a hot summer in Europe.

Like

Used to ask for a description or opinion of someone or something

I hear she has a new boyfriend. What's he like?

What's the weather like in Ürümqi today?

Like

Having the same, or nearly the same, appearance, qualities, or characteristics; resembling; similar to; similar; alike; - often with in and the particulars of the resemblance; as, they are like each other in features, complexion, and many traits of character.

'T is as like youAs cherry is to cherry.

Like master, like man.

He giveth snow like wool; he scattereth the hoar-frost like ashes.

Like

Equal, or nearly equal; as, fields of like extent.

More clergymen were impoverished by the late war than ever in the like space before.

Like

Having probability; affording probability; probable; likely.

But it is like the jolly world about us will scoff at the paradox of these practices.

Many were not easy to be governed, nor like to conform themselves to strict rules.

Like

Inclined toward; disposed to; as, to feel like taking a walk.

Had like to have been my utter overthrow.

Ramona had like to have said the literal truth, . . . but recollected herself in time.

Like

That which is equal or similar to another; the counterpart; an exact resemblance; a copy.

He was a man, take him for all in all,I shall not look upon his like again.

Like

A liking; a preference; inclination; - usually in pl.; as, we all have likes and dislikes.

Like

The stroke which equalizes the number of strokes played by the opposing player or side; as, to play the like.

Like

In a manner like that of; in a manner similar to; as, do not act like him.

He maketh them to stagger like a drunken man.

Like

In a like or similar manner.

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.

Like

Likely; probably.

Like

To suit; to please; to be agreeable to.

Cornwall him liked best, therefore he chose there.

I willingly confess that it likes me much better when I find virtue in a fair lodging than when I am bound to seek it in an ill-favored creature.

Like

To be pleased with in a moderate degree; to approve; to take satisfaction in; to enjoy.

He proceeded from looking to liking, and from liking to loving.

Like

To liken; to compare.

Like me to the peasant boys of France.

Like

To be pleased; to choose.

He may either go or stay, as he best likes.

Like

To have an appearance or expression; to look; to seem to be (in a specified condition).

You like well, and bear your years very well.

Like

Prefer or wish to do something;

Do you care to try this dish?

Would you like to come along to the movies?

Like

Find enjoyable or agreeable;

I like jogging

She likes to read Russian novels

Like

Be fond of;

I like my nephews

Like

Feel about or towards; consider, evaluate, or regard;

How did you like the President's speech last night?

Like

Want to have;

I'd like a beer now!

Like

Resembling or similar; having the same or some of the same characteristics; often used in combination;

Suits of like design

A limited circle of like minds

Members of the cat family have like dispositions

As like as two peas in a pod

Doglike devotion

A dreamlike quality

Like

Equal in amount or value;

Like amounts

Equivalent amounts

The same amount

Gave one six blows and the other a like number

An equal number

The same number

Like

Having the same or similar characteristics;

All politicians are alike

They looked utterly alike

Friends are generaly alike in background and taste

Like

Conforming in every respect;

Boxes with corresponding dimensions

The like period of the preceding year

Common Curiosities

Is "like" always used to express similarity?

Not always. It can also show preference (as a verb) or function as a conjunction, among other uses.

Is "like" informal when used as a filler word?

Yes, using "like" as a filler word is common in informal speech.

Can "alike" be used to compare more than two objects?

Yes, "alike" can compare multiple items as long as they share similar characteristics.

What is a formal alternative to "like" as a filler word?

Instead of "like" as a filler, use precise terms such as "approximately," "about," or "nearly."

Are "like" and "alike" interchangeable?

No, "like" and "alike" have different grammatical roles and aren't interchangeable.

Can "alike" be used as a verb like "like"?

No, "alike" is only an adjective or adverb.

Is "like" more versatile than "alike"?

Yes, "like" is more versatile and can be used in a variety of grammatical roles.

Does "alike" always imply identicalness?

No, "alike" implies similarity but not necessarily exactness.

Can "alike" be used as a synonym for "identical"?

"Alike" suggests similarity but not perfect identity.

How does "alike" work as an adverb?

It shows that something is done in a similar way, like "They think alike."

What role does "like" play in social media?

As a noun, it represents approval or support through interactions like "likes" on posts.

Can "like" be used for emphasis?

Yes, especially in casual speech, "like" often adds emphasis or uncertainty.

Does "alike" have a plural form?

No, "alike" remains the same regardless of the subject.

Should "like" be used in formal writing as a filler?

It's best to avoid using "like" as a filler in formal writing.

Is "like" only used in speech?

No, "like" is also frequently used in writing for comparison, preference, and other functions.

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Fiza Rafique

Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

Co-written by

Urooj Arif

Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.