sc - like

[demoskopico]

The word Buddha denotes not just the historical figure, Gautama, it refers to a type of person, one who has achieved enlightenment, just like as the term "king" or "priest".

This is the correct statement given by the test simulator:

The word Buddha denotes not just the historical figure Gautama, but, like "king" or "priest", it refers to a type of person - in this case, one who has achieved enlightenment.

I say: how come it uses "like" if we have a subclause? Don't we need to use "as"?
thanks

[JohnB]

In this case "like" is fine, because it's used to introduce a comparison. Buddha is a term similar to king or priest. "Like" is only a problem on the GMAT if it is used to introduce examples. So this sentence would be incorrect:

People in positions of authority, like kings and priests, sometimes have feet of clay.

The correct version:

People in positions of authority, such as kings and priests, sometimes have feet of clay.