Dislike: meaning, definitions and examples

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dislike

[dɪsˈlaɪk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

emotion

To have a strong feeling of not liking or being against someone or something.

Synonyms

abhor, despise, detest, hate, loathe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dislike	This word is appropriate for mild or casual negative feelings towards something or someone. It is not as strong or intense as other synonyms. I dislike waking up early. She dislikes spicy food.
hate	This is a strong and common word for expressing intense dislike or annoyance, applicable to both people and things. I hate being late. They hate each other.
detest	Use this word to express strong dislike or hatred, but it is more about personal feelings and less formal than 'abhor'. He detests doing the laundry. She detests arrogance.
despise	This word conveys strong negative feelings and a sense of contempt or scorn. It is often directed at people, beliefs, or actions. She despises liars. I despise their narrow-minded attitude.
abhor	Use this word in formal contexts to express strong disgust or hatred, often towards actions, behaviors, or concepts rather than people. He abhors violence in any form. They abhor injustice and corruption.
loathe	This word represents intense dislike or disgust, and is often less commonly used in everyday conversation than 'hate' or 'dislike'. She loathes the taste of broccoli. He loathes dishonesty.

Examples of usage

I dislike broccoli.
She dislikes going to the dentist.
We dislike the new manager.
They dislike the cold weather.
The teacher dislikes tardiness.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

emotion

A feeling of not liking or being against someone or something.

Synonyms

animosity, antipathy, aversion, disdain, displeasure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dislike	Use 'dislike' for general, mild negative feelings towards someone or something. I dislike noisy places She dislikes eating broccoli
aversion	Use 'aversion' to describe a strong feeling of dislike or unwillingness, often causing avoidance. He has an aversion to spiders Her aversion to conflict makes her avoid arguments
animosity	Use 'animosity' to describe deep-seated, often long-standing hostility or antagonism towards someone. There was a lot of animosity between the two rival teams His animosity towards his former boss was evident
antipathy	Use 'antipathy' to express a strong, instinctive aversion or settled dislike. She felt an immediate antipathy towards the new manager The decision sparked antipathy among the employees
displeasure	Use 'displeasure' to indicate mild to moderate dissatisfaction or annoyance. He expressed his displeasure with the service Her tone revealed her displeasure at the decision
disdain	Use 'disdain' to convey a sense of superiority and disrespectful scorn towards someone or something. She looked at the messy room with disdain He showed his disdain for the project by refusing to work on it

Examples of usage

My dislike for spiders is intense.
There is a mutual dislike between the two neighbors.
She couldn't hide her dislike for the new policy.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'dislike' combines 'dis-', which means 'not,' with 'like,' meaning to enjoy or prefer.
It appeared in the English language in the early 1600s, showing a need for a word to express negative feelings toward preferences.
Other words using the prefix 'dis-' often convey opposition, like 'disapprove' or 'disagree.'

Psychology

Disliking something can be linked to personal experiences; for example, a negative first encounter may shape future feelings.
It’s normal for people to dislike different things, like foods or activities, based on individual taste and experiences.
Dislike can trigger physiological responses, such as disgust, which help humans avoid harmful substances.

Social Interaction

Expressing dislike is an important social skill, helping people set boundaries and communicate their preferences.
Cultural differences can influence what people dislike; for example, culinary tastes vary widely around the world.
Dislike can lead to conflict in relationships if not communicated effectively; discussing preferences can help resolve misunderstandings.

Pop Culture

Dislike is often portrayed in media, such as movies, where characters express their aversions humorously or dramatically.
In social media, the ability to 'dislike' content helps users curate their experiences and express their opinions.
Songs frequently explore themes of dislike in relationships, highlighting the emotional complexity involved.

Education

Teaching children to express dislike helps them develop emotional intelligence and understand their own feelings.
In educational settings, discussing dislikes can promote empathy, as children learn about diverse preferences and opinions.
Literature often explores characters' dislikes, providing insights into their personalities and motivations.

Translations

Translations of the word "dislike" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não gostar

desgostar
aversão

🇮🇳 नापसंद करना

🇩🇪 nicht mögen

🇮🇩 tidak suka

🇺🇦 не подобатися

🇵🇱 nie lubić

🇯🇵 嫌う (kirau)

🇫🇷 ne pas aimer

🇪🇸 no gustar

🇹🇷 beğenmemek

🇰🇷 싫어하다 (silh-eohada)

🇸🇦 لا يعجبني

🇨🇿 nelíbit se

🇸🇰 nepáčiť sa

🇨🇳 不喜欢 (bù xǐhuān)

🇸🇮 ne marati

🇮🇸 líka ekki

🇰🇿 ұнатпау

🇬🇪 არ მოწონება

🇦🇿 xoşlamamaq

🇲🇽 no gustar

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,237 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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8234 richer
8235 distributor
8236 restructuring
8237 dislike
8238 northward
8239 trailer
8240 specifying
...