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like of

B1 informal

Used to refer to a type or class of person or thing, often implying comparison or uniqueness (usually 'the like of').

In plain English

Something or someone similar to, or of the same type as, what you're talking about.

What does "like of" mean?

One main meaning — here's how to use it.

1 B1 idiomatic informal

Used in 'the like of' to refer to someone or something of the same kind, quality, or type — often implying rarity or uniqueness.

"We may never see the like of that performance again in our lifetime."

The world will not see the like of him again.

— Common journalistic formulation; widely used in obituaries and tributes, e.g. various UK newspaper tributes
Usage tip

Most commonly appears in the fixed expressions 'the like of' or 'the likes of'. Slightly old-fashioned compared to 'the likes of'. Can express admiration ('we've never seen the like of it') or dismissal ('not for the likes of us'). Used across British and American English.

Words that pair with "like of"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

never seen the world him her it us

How to conjugate "like of"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
like of
I/you/we/they
3rd person
likes of
he/she/it
Past simple
liked of
yesterday
Past participle
liked of
have + pp
-ing form
liking of
continuous

Hear "like of" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "like of" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "like of"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

anything like such as the equal of the kind of the likes of

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