Liknande

Liknande is a Swedish word that functions as an adjective and as a present participle meaning “similar” or “resembling.” It is used to indicate that one thing is like another in shape, quality, or characteristics. In everyday language it can modify a noun or serve in predicative position after a copular verb, as in ett liknande problem or Problemet är liknande.

As an attributive adjective, liknande typically precedes the noun it describes, for example: ett liknande problem, liknande förhållanden. It agrees with the noun in number and definiteness in standard Swedish usage. As a predicative element, it can follow verbs such as vara: Problemet är liknande, Föremålen verkar liknande.

Liknande also exists as the present participle form of the verb lika, meaning “to resemble.” In this sense it describes something that bears similarity to something else, for example: en liknande företeelse, liknande ord. In these constructions it behaves as a participial modifier and can occur with or without a following noun.

Etymology and cognates: liknande derives from the Old Norse or Proto-Germanic roots related to likeness and sameness, and it has close cognates in other Scandinavian languages. In Danish the equivalent is lignende, and in Norwegian Bokmål/Nynorsk forms like liknende or liknande are used in similar senses.

Usage notes: liknande is common in both formal and informal contexts. For writers, it offers a flexible way to express similarity without repeating nouns; for example, “liknande erfaringer” expands a point by linking it to prior examples. Related terms include likhet (similarity) and liknelse (analogy, resemblance).

See also: likhet, liknelse. Translations include “similar,” “similar to,” and “resembling.”