like
UK[laɪk]US[laɪk]
prep
having the same characteristics or qualities as; similar to
v
to find something pleasant, enjoyable, or satisfactory
conj
in the same way that; as
adj
(archaic or formal) having a similar appearance, character, or quantity; alike
n
(usually likes) the things one enjoys or prefers
adv
(informal) used in speech as a meaningless filler or to convey hesitation
suffix
forming adjectives and adverbs from nouns, meaning 'similar to' or 'characteristic of'
Etymology
the modern english word 'like' originates from the old english 'līc', meaning 'body, form, likeness', which itself stems from the proto-germanic 'līką'. this proto-germanic root is believed to be derived from the proto-indo-European 'līg-', meaning 'to resemble, be like'. the semantic journey is a clear path from the concrete concept of 'body' or 'form' to the abstract concept of similarity and resemblance. the grammatical versatility of 'like', allowing it to function as a preposition, verb, adjective, and more, developed within the english language from this core idea of comparison and affinity.
Analysis
the word 'like' is a simplex form derived from a tight germanic root. it does not lend itself to segmentation into distinct, meaningful morphemes within its modern english spelling.
Examples
she sings like a professional.
i really like the new design of the website.
he used words like 'therefore' and 'furthermore' to connect his arguments.