The phrase "likes of" is commonly used to refer to a group of people or things of a similar nature or type. Its spelling can be confusing as there are two silent letters in the word "likes", namely the "k" and "s". The correct IPA phonetic transcription for "likes of" is /laɪksʌv/. The "v" sound at the end represents the "of". Remembering the silent letters and practicing the phonetic transcription can improve spelling accuracy and fluency.
The phrase "likes of" is an idiomatic expression used to refer to people or things similar to a particular person or thing being mentioned. It indicates a category or group of similar individuals or objects. Generally, it is used to emphasize the noteworthy or exceptional nature of the person or thing being referred to by highlighting other prominent individuals or objects of the same kind.
For instance, if someone says, "He is one of the great writers of our time, on par with the likes of Hemingway and Faulkner," they are suggesting that the person in question is comparable in skill and talent to renowned authors such as Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner.
The phrase is commonly used to draw attention to the exceptional qualities, achievements, or characteristics of a person, often in a positive or admiring context. By mentioning the "likes of" certain individuals or objects, it showcases the high caliber, importance, or influence of the person or thing being discussed.
The phrase can also be employed in a negative or critical manner. For instance, if someone says, "I cannot believe he resigned! We can't let the likes of him ruin our organization," it conveys disapproval and a belief that the person in question is undesirable or detrimental.
Overall, "likes of" is a versatile expression employed to compare, categorize, and highlight individuals or things of similar standing, acknowledging their significance, either positively or negatively.
The phrase "likes of" is a comparative expression that dates back to Old English and Middle English. It is derived from the word "like" which existed in Old English and referred to similarity or resemblance. The word "like" comes from the Old English word "gelic", which shares the same Proto-Germanic root (*likaną) as its counterparts in other Germanic languages.
The addition of "of" in the phrase "likes of" creates a possessive construction, emphasizing a particular group or category of people or things. Gradually, this phrase evolved in usage to express comparison or reference to a similar kind or type. Over time, "likes of" became an idiomatic expression often used to refer to the similar or equivalent members within a specified group.
Overall, the etymology of "likes of" can be traced back to Old English and the Proto-Germanic root shared by the word "like".