dislike
dislike
Pronunciation
dislike
/dɪsˈlaɪk/
Syllable Breakdown:
dis-: /dɪs/ (d-ih-s)
-like: /laɪk/ (l-ai-k)
Word Form Variations
Noun: dislike, dislikes
Verb: dislike, dislikes, disliking, disliked
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Dislike
A feeling of aversion or strong distaste for something or someone. This feeling often stems from a negative experience, a difference in opinion, or a general incompatibility.
Synonyms: aversion, distaste, antipathy, revulsion, abhorrence, animosity, displeasure
Antonyms: liking, fondness, affection, partiality, admiration, love, preference
Verb
Dislike
To regard with aversion or strong distaste; to have an unfavorable opinion of. This action implies a conscious choice to not be fond of or pleased with something or someone.
Synonyms: detest, abhor, loathe, despise, hate, scorn, disapprove of
Antonyms: like, love, admire, enjoy, approve of, prefer, fancy
Examples of Use
Books: "Her initial dislike for the new neighbor slowly transformed into a grudging respect as she witnessed his tireless efforts for the community."
Newspapers: "The mayor's latest policy proposal has drawn considerable dislike from various community groups, who argue it will disproportionately affect low-income residents." ( The Guardian)
Online Publications: "Why do so many people express a strong dislike for cilantro, a common herb in many cuisines?" (Food & Wine Magazine)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms (Film Review): "Despite its stunning visuals, the film's convoluted plot led to a general dislike among critics."
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms (Social Media): "Just saw the trailer for the new superhero movie and I have to say, I really dislike the character design for the villain." (Twitter/X, March 2025)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms (Music Review): "While some praised the album's experimental sound, others expressed a strong dislike for its departure from the band's earlier work."
General Public Discourse (Conversation): "I used to dislike public speaking, but after taking that course, I feel much more confident."
General Public Discourse (Survey/Poll): "A recent survey revealed that a significant percentage of the population has a strong dislike for telemarketing calls."
10 Quotes Using Dislike
"The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference." (Elie Wiesel)
"I dislike violence, but when it is used to defend an ideal or a principle, I find it quite justifiable." (Georges Sorel)
"I dislike feeling at home when I am abroad." (George Bernard Shaw)
"People often say that I'm odd, but I dislike that word. I prefer to be called 'unique'." (Lady Gaga)
"I intensely dislike people who talk in adjectives." (J. D. Salinger)
"I don't dislike him, I just don't have any respect for him." (Colin Powell)
"I never dislike a man so much as when he is trying to be like me." (George Eliot)
"I confess that I dislike the word 'dictator' and prefer 'leader'." (Idi Amin)
"I dislike arguments of any kind. They are always vulgar, and often convincing." (Oscar Wilde)
"There are some people I dislike so much that I don't even want to dislike them." (Mark Twain)
Etymology
The word "dislike" is quite straightforward in its origins! It's essentially built by combining two older English parts.
The first part, "dis-," is an old prefix that means "not" or "the opposite of." You see it in many other words like "dishonest" (not honest) or "disagree" (to not agree).
The second part, "like," comes from the Old English word "lician," which meant "to please" or "to be pleasing." Interestingly, "like" used to work a bit differently; something "liked" you if it pleased you, rather than you liking it.
So, put together, "dislike" literally means "to not please" or "to be displeased with."
The first known use of "dislike" as a verb, meaning "to be displeased with, or to regard with some aversion," appears around the mid-1500s (specifically, the 1540s, often seen in the form "disliking"). The noun form, meaning "a feeling of being displeased," came a bit later, around the 1590s. Before "dislike" became common, people often used the word "mislike" to express the same idea, but "dislike" eventually took its place.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Dislike
Take a strong dislike to: To immediately and intensely feel an aversion towards someone or something.
Have a dislike for: To possess a general or ongoing aversion.
Conceal one's dislike: To hide one's true feelings of aversion.
Mutual dislike: When two or more parties dislike each other.
Bear a dislike toward: To harbor ill feelings or an aversion.
To my great dislike: An expression indicating strong personal displeasure.
An acquired dislike: A feeling of aversion that developed over time rather than being immediate.
Beyond my dislike: So objectionable that it surpasses simple dislike.
A look of pure dislike: A facial expression clearly showing aversion.
Voice one's dislike: To express one's aversion verbally.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of dislike from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
