the difference of like and alike

#1 07-Aug-2003, 14:37

could you tell me about usage of like and alike?

**Tdol** · #2 07-Aug-2003, 17:38

'Alike' is used as an adjective:
They look alike.

'Like' is used as a preposition:
He's looks like his brother.

**RonBee** · #3 07-Aug-2003, 17:40

If two things are alike that means they are identical. If two things are like each other that means they are similar but not identical. The two words are not used interchangeably.

**Tdol** · #4 09-Aug-2003, 22:18

'Like' can be used as a noun, but 'alike' isn't.

nyggus · #5 11-Jul-2006, 12:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonBee

If two things are alike that means they are identical. If two things are like each other that means they are similar but not identical. The two words are not used interchangeably.

CALD says that alike means similar, which does not agree with RonBee's definition. What is, then, the difference between similar and alike?

Thanks,
Nyggus

nyggus · #6 11-Jul-2006, 12:27

Yet Encarta gives two definitions of alike:
1. "similar in appearance or character,"
2. "the same."

(Is there anything worse than two different meanings of one word/phrase?

)

Nyggus