Definition

To compare two things and show how they are similar.

Example

She liked to liken her experiences to those of famous authors.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I always liken the feeling of reading a good book to being on an exciting adventure.

That's a great comparison! It really draws you into the story, doesn't it?

Exactly! I think that's why I love reading so much.

Me too! It’s like escaping to another world.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Liken → It is formed from "like" (from Old English *lician*, meaning to be pleasing or agreeable) and "-en" (a suffix used to form verbs). The word "liken" means to make something similar or to compare it to something else, suggesting a sense of agreement or similarity.

Memory Tip

Think of something being 'pleasing' or 'agreeable' ('like') and then adding '-en' to show the action of making it similar. This helps you remember that 'liken' means to compare or make similar.

Visually Confused Words