What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
liken
Example
She likened his behavior to that of a child throwing a tantrum. [liken: verb]
Example
The author used the metaphor of a ship to liken the character's journey through life. [liken: verb]
resemble
Example
The two sisters resemble each other so much that they are often mistaken for twins. [resemble: verb]
Example
The new building resembles the old one in its architectural style. [resembles: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Resemble is more commonly used than liken in everyday language. Resemble is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while liken is less common and is often used in formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between liken and resemble?
Likened is more formal than resemble, which is commonly used in everyday language. Likened is often used in literary or academic writing, while resemble is used in both formal and informal contexts.
