Likened Meaning in English
word · lemma: liken
ˈɫaɪkənd
LYE-kənd
lˈaɪkənd
LYE-kənd
Definition
To say that one thing is similar to another thing, usually to help explain or describe them.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly used in formal or literary contexts. Common patterns: 'be likened to'. Used for deeper or metaphorical comparisons, not everyday similarities. Not interchangeable with 'compare' in all contexts.
Spanish: compararPortuguese (BR): compararPortuguese (PT): compararChinese (Simplified): 比作Chinese (Traditional): 比作Hindi: तुलना करनाArabic: شَبَّهَBengali: তুলনা করা - উপমা দেওয়াRussian: уподоблять - сравнивать (метафорически)Japanese: 例えるVietnamese: ví như - được so sánh vớiKorean: 비유하다 - 비슷하다고 여기다Turkish: benzetmekUrdu: تشبیہ دیناIndonesian: diibaratkan - disamakan
Example Sentences
The waves were likened to rolling mountains.
basic
His voice was likened to thunder.
basic
She likened their friendship to a tree that grows over time.
basic
The process was often likened to a marathon because it took so long.
natural
His painting style has been likened to that of early impressionists.
natural
He likened dealing with bureaucracy to trying to walk through mud.
natural