How Do You Spell SOMETHING LIKE?

Pronunciation: [sˈʌmθɪŋ lˈa͡ɪk] (IPA)

The phrase "something like" is commonly used in English to indicate approximation or comparison. The spelling of this phrase can be divided into two parts: "something" and "like". "Something" is pronounced as /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/ with the stress on the first syllable. "Like" is pronounced as /laɪk/ with a long "i" sound and the stress on the second syllable. When combined, the two words are pronounced as /ˈsʌmθɪŋ ˈlaɪk/, with two separate stresses on each word.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
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SOMETHING LIKE Meaning and Definition

  1. Something like is a phrase commonly used to approximate or describe an object, concept, or situation that is similar in some way, but not necessarily identical or an exact match. It is often used when offering a comparison or providing a rough estimate. The phrase implies that the thing being referred to shares certain characteristics or qualities but may have differences or variations that prevent it from being an exact match.

    When used in conversation, "something like" indicates that the speaker is trying to convey a general sense of what they are referring to without providing precise details or specifications. For example, if someone asks for a description of a unique piece of art, one might respond by saying, "It's something like a sculpture, but it also incorporates elements of painting." In this case, the person is using "something like" to explain that the artwork resembles a sculpture to some extent, but it also has features that deviate from traditional sculptures.

    The phrase "something like" is also used to indicate an approximation. For instance, if someone asks about the cost of an item, the response might be, "It's something like $50." Here, the speaker is offering an estimate or ballpark figure without providing the exact price.

    Overall, "something like" is a versatile phrase that is used to convey similarity, comparison, and approximation in various contexts, allowing speakers to express a general idea or estimation without being overly specific or precise.

Common Misspellings for SOMETHING LIKE

  • aomething like
  • zomething like
  • xomething like
  • domething like
  • eomething like
  • womething like
  • simething like
  • skmething like
  • slmething like
  • spmething like
  • s0mething like
  • s9mething like
  • sonething like
  • sokething like
  • sojething like
  • somwthing like
  • somsthing like
  • somdthing like
  • somrthing like

Etymology of SOMETHING LIKE

The phrase "something like" is a common idiomatic expression used to indicate similarity or approximation. The etymology of this phrase can be understood by analyzing the origins of its individual components.

1. Something: The word "something" originates from Middle English, derived from the combination of "some" meaning "a certain amount or degree" and "-thing" which denotes a lack of specificity. It can be traced further back to the Old English word "sum thing", meaning "a certain thing".

2. Like: The term "like" dates back to Old English, derived from the Germanic word "lic", meaning "similar" or "resembling". It is further related to the Dutch "lijk" and German "leich", both signifying "similar" or "alike".

When combined, "something like" suggests an unspecified object or concept that bears resemblance or similarity to another thing.

Idioms with the word SOMETHING LIKE

  • know something like the back of your hand The idiom "know something like the back of your hand" means to be extremely familiar with or have thorough knowledge and understanding of something. It implies that one knows something so well that they are as familiar with it as they are with the back of their own hand.
  • need something like a hole in the head The idiom "need something like a hole in the head" is used to express strong disinterest or unwillingness towards something. It signifies that the speaker considers the mentioned thing completely unnecessary, undesirable, or harmful, just as they would not need an additional hole in their head.
  • do something like it's going out of style The idiom "do something like it's going out of style" means to do something excessively or to an extreme degree, often with great enthusiasm or intensity. It implies that the action is being done in a manner that is rapidly losing popularity or becoming outdated, but the person is still doing it with great fervor.
  • hate someone or something like sin The idiom "hate someone or something like sin" means to despise or intensely dislike someone or something with a strong passion or fervor. It suggests that the feeling of hatred is so intense that it is comparable to the strong condemnation associated with sin.
  • go at something like a boy killing snakes The idiom "go at something like a boy killing snakes" means to approach a task or endeavor with great intensity, determination, or aggression. It implies tackling something with fervor and fearlessness, similar to how a young boy might deal with the danger and urgency of killing snakes.
  • drop something like a hot potato The idiom "drop something like a hot potato" means to quickly abandon or disassociate oneself from a problematic or controversial issue, topic, or situation. It implies an urgent and immediate rejection or avoidance, similar to how one would instinctively drop a hot potato to avoid getting burned.
  • know somebody/something like the back of your hand To know somebody or something like the back of your hand means to be very familiar with them or it, to know them or it extremely well.
  • anything/nothing/something like that The idiom "anything/nothing/something like that" is used to express uncertainty or vagueness about a specific thing or situation. It suggests that the speaker is not entirely sure or precise about the details, but is giving a general idea or approximation.
  • avoid somebody/something like the plague To avoid somebody/something like the plague means to stay away from someone or something at all costs, as one would avoid the highly contagious and deadly disease of the plague. It implies avoiding contact or association in order to prevent harm or negative consequences.
  • need/want somebody/something like a hole in the head This idiom means that someone or something is completely unnecessary or unwanted. It implies that having the person or thing would only cause trouble or problems.
  • avoid someone/something like the plague To avoid someone or something like the plague means to stay away from or have nothing to do with them, as if they were a highly contagious and infectious disease.
  • something like The phrase "something like" is used to compare things or suggest a similar but not exact example of something. It implies that the thing being compared is not identical, but shares some similarities.
  • drop someone/something like a hot potato To drop someone or something like a hot potato means to quickly and completely abandon or disassociate oneself from them or it, typically due to a sudden change or new information that makes them or it undesirable or problematic.