Lick vs. Like — What's the Difference?

To pass the tongue over or along

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.

To lap up

Having the same characteristics or qualities as; similar to

To lap or flicker at like a tongue

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

To beat or thrash.

Such as; for example

To defeat soundly

In the same way that; as

To deal with effectively; overcome

As though; as if

To pass or lap quickly and rapidly

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

The act or process of licking.

The things one likes or prefers

An amount obtained by licking

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

A small quantity; a bit

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

A deposit of exposed natural salt that is licked by passing animals.

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

(Slang) A sudden hard stroke; a blow.

In the manner of

(Slang) An attempt; a try

Find agreeable, enjoyable, or satisfactory

(Informal) Speed; pace

Wish for; want

(Music) A phrase improvised by a soloist, especially on the guitar or banjo.

To find pleasant or attractive; enjoy

(transitive) To stroke with the tongue.

To want to have

(transitive) To lap; to take in with the tongue.

To prefer

(colloquial) To beat with repeated blows.

To feel about; regard

(colloquial) To defeat decisively, particularly in a fight.

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

(colloquial) To overcome.

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

To perform cunnilingus.

(Archaic) To be pleasing to.

(colloquial) To do anything partially.

To have an inclination or a preference

(of flame, waves etc.) To lap.

(Scots) To be pleased.

The act of licking; a stroke of the tongue.

Something that is liked; a preference

The amount of some substance obtainable with a single lick.

One similar to or like another. Used with the

A quick and careless application of anything, as if by a stroke of the tongue.

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

A place where animals lick minerals from the ground.

Possessing the characteristics of; resembling closely; similar to

A small watercourse or ephemeral stream. It ranks between a rill and a stream.

In the typical manner of

(colloquial) A stroke or blow.

In the same way as

(colloquial) A small amount; a whit.

Inclined or disposed to

(informal) An attempt at something.

As if the probability exists for

(music) A short motif.

Such as; for example

(informal) A rate of speed. Always qualified by good, fair, or a similar adjective.

Possessing the same or almost the same characteristics; similar

(slang) An act of cunnilingus.

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

An instance of earning money fast, usually by illegal means, thus a heist, drug deal etc.; mostly nodot=1back-formations

(Informal) Probably; likely

To draw or pass the tongue over; as, a dog licks his master's hand.

Nearly; approximately

To lap; to take in with the tongue; as, a dog or cat licks milk.

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

To strike with repeated blows for punishment; to flog; to whip or conquer, as in a pugilistic encounter.

In the same way that; as

A stroke of the tongue in licking.

As if

A quick and careless application of anything, as if by a stroke of the tongue, or of something which acts like a tongue; as, to put on colors with a lick of the brush. Also, a small quantity of any substance so applied.

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

A place where salt is found on the surface of the earth, to which wild animals resort to lick it up; - often, but not always, near salt springs. Called also salt lick.

To please.

A slap; a quick stroke.

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

A salt deposit that animals regularly lick

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

Touching with the tongue;

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

(boxing) a blow with the fist;

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

Beat thoroughly in a competition or fight;

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

Pass the tongue over;

(obsolete) To liken; to compare.

Find the solution to (a problem or question) or understand the meaning of;

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

Take up with the tongue;

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

To accept as an input.

To be likely.

Something that a person likes (prefers).

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

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

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

Similar.

Likely; probable.

Inclined (to), prone (to).

Likely.

In a like or similar manner.

(colloquial) As, the way.

As if; as though.

Similar to, reminiscent of

Typical of

Approximating

In the manner of, similarly to

Such as

As if there would be

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

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.

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

Having probability; affording probability; probable; likely.

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

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

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

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

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

In a like or similar manner.

Likely; probably.

To suit; to please; to be agreeable to.

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

To liken; to compare.

To be pleased; to choose.

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

Prefer or wish to do something;

Find enjoyable or agreeable;

Be fond of;

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

Want to have;

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

Equal in amount or value;

Having the same or similar characteristics;

Conforming in every respect;