Alike is an adjective meaning similar or taking on a similar form or appearance. It can also function as an adverb in the phrase alike, meaning in the same way or equally. In most contexts, it contrasts with different, used to indicate similarity rather than dissimilarity. Pronunciation focuses on the two syllables stressed in standard usage: a- like.
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"The two paintings are alike in style and color."
"The siblings dressed alike for the party."
"People often act alike when faced with the same problem."
"There are few things that aren’t alike in that old house."
Alike originates from Old English gelēo (or gelīc) meaning resembling or similar, related to lēo (like) and gelīcan, which conveyed resemblance. The modern form arose through the Proto-Germanic root *galikaz, meaning ‘like, similar’, integrating into Old English as gelīc or ongelīc (opposite of unlike). Over time, the word contracted phonetically, reducing the onset to /əˈlaɪk/ in Early Middle English and stabilizing in Early Modern English. The semantic drift kept core meaning of similarity and likeness while broadening to two-part constructions: ‘alike’ as an adjective or adverb (e.g., they behave alike). First known uses appear in late Old English texts, with more explicit modern attestations by the 14th–15th centuries, mirroring similar formations in Germanic languages that express likeness by compounding elements that point toward shared form or behavior. The evolution tracks a tightening of vowels (the long i sound) and a reduction of unstressed syllables, culminating in the two-syllable pronunciation widely used today.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "alike" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "alike" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "alike"
-ike sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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Say /əˈlaɪk/. The stress is on the second syllable. Start with a neutral schwa in the first syllable, then slide into a strong diphthong /aɪ/ for 'like', finishing with /k/. It sounds like uh-lyke, with the long I sound similar to 'like' as a standalone word. Listen for a crisp /k/ release at the end.
Common errors include misplacing stress, saying /ˈæl-aɪk/ with stress on the first syllable, or pronouncing it as /əˈlaɪk/ with a reduced second vowel. The correct pattern is a-LYKE with primary stress on the second syllable and a clear /laɪ/ cluster. Another mistake is not finalizing with a clean /k/; make sure your tongue releases against the soft palate to produce a crisp stop.
In US/UK/AU, the main feature is rhoticity and vowel quality rather than the core syllable. All three share /əˈlaɪk/, but non-rhotic variants may reduce r-coloring in surrounding words; vowel length is similar, but Australian speech can show a slightly higher, fronter /aɪ/ due to vowel shift tendencies. The stability lies in the /laɪ/ diphthong; the first syllable remains a quick, unstressed schwa. Overall, differences are subtle rather than dramatic.
The challenge is the two-syllable rhythm with a strong, stressed second syllable and a precise /laɪ/ digraph. Learners often blur the /laɪ/ into a simple /aɪ/ or misplace stress on the first syllable. The final /k/ must be released cleanly; avoid adding an extra vowel after /k/. Also, the preceding schwa should be reduced, not fully pronounced, to avoid an 'ah-LOOK' pattern.
Yes—the word uniquely carries a stress shift to the second syllable, making it a trochaic-turned-iambic feel in fluent speech. Also, the quick, almost clipped first syllable /ə/ versus a stronger second syllable requires precise mouth tension progression: relax for /ə/ then tense for /laɪk/ to achieve a natural, crisp ending. This combination can be tricky if you’re not articulating the /laɪ/ smoothly.
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# Master Guide for 'alike'
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