The phrase "are like" is commonly used to compare two things or to make a simile. The spelling of this phrase adheres to Standard English pronunciation rules. "Are" retains its standard spelling and pronunciation, using the /ɑːr/ phoneme. "Like," on the other hand, is spelled with a "k" to represent the /k/ phoneme, which is not represented by the "c" in "lice." Therefore, the correct way to spell "are like" is with "like" using the sound /k/ spelled with a "k."
Are like is a phrase that is predominantly used in casual conversation to provide a comparison or analogy between two or more items, events, people, or situations. It serves to illustrate a similarity or resemblance between the subjects being compared, with an emphasis on highlighting common characteristics or traits. The phrase "are like" can also be used as a means to simplify complex concepts or ideas, making them more relatable and easier to comprehend.
When used in a comparative sense, "are like" signifies a likeness or similarity between the two objects or situations mentioned. For example, one might say, "His laughter is like a gentle melody," implying that the sound of his laughter carries a similar soothing quality as a delicate tune. This comparison allows the listener to visualize or understand an abstract concept like laughter through the familiar construct of music.
In everyday language, "are like" can be seen as an informal substitute for "resemble" or "are similar to." However, it differs from these terms as it places more emphasis on metaphorical or imaginative associations rather than strict resemblances. It is a versatile phrase that effectively communicates comparisons by drawing on familiar imagery or experiences, thereby aiding comprehension and connecting ideas.
The phrase "are like" is not a distinct word with an etymology of its own. Instead, it is a combination of the verb "are" and the preposition "like". Each component has its own separate etymology:
1. "Are": The verb "are" is the second person plural, and the first, second, and third person plural forms of the verb "to be" in English. This verb can be traced back to Old English "eart" and "sindon", which eventually evolved into Middle English "art" and "aren". These forms then evolved into the Modern English "are".
2. "Like": The preposition "like" originated from the Old English word "gelīc", which means "similar" or "alike". Over time, it transformed into Middle English "like" and eventually the Modern English "like".