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Unlike Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unlike

[ʌnˈlaɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Preposition

comparison

Not like; different from.

Synonyms

different from, dissimilar to, not similar to.

Examples of usage

  • She is unlike her sister in many ways.
  • Unlike most people, he prefers to work at night.
Context #2 | Adjective

characteristics

Not similar; different; different from what is usual or expected.

Synonyms

different, distinct, unusual.

Examples of usage

  • His behavior was unlike anything I had ever seen before.
  • The new product is unlike anything currently on the market.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Language Usage

  • 'Unlike' is often used to compare two subjects, drawing attention to their differences.
  • In literary contexts, 'unlike' helps create contrasts, enriching narratives and illustrations.
  • It's frequently used in persuasive writing to emphasize opposing points.

Psychology

  • Understanding differences between things can help in decision-making and evaluating options.
  • Research shows that people often rely on comparisons to form opinions and make judgments.
  • The human brain is wired to recognize contrasts, which can influence our perceptions and emotions.

Pop Culture

  • Many songs and movies explore themes of dissimilarity, often highlighting the beauty in differences.
  • The phrase 'unlike anything else' is commonly used in advertising to promote unique products.
  • TV shows frequently create dynamics between characters that are 'unlike' each other to drive conflict and interest.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often discuss the concept of 'the other' to explore how unlike things shape identity.
  • Exploring what is 'unlike' can lead to deeper understanding of self versus others.
  • The idea of opposites is central to many philosophical debates about existence and meaning.

Origin of 'unlike'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'unlike' comes from Old English, where it was formed by combining 'un-' meaning 'not' with 'like'.
  • It has been used since the 14th century to express dissimilarity.
  • The prefix 'un-' is commonly used in English to negate a word or show the opposite.

The word 'unlike' originated from the Middle English word 'unliche', which meant 'not similar to'. Over time, its usage evolved to represent the idea of being different or dissimilar. The prefix 'un-' denotes negation, while 'like' refers to similarity. Today, 'unlike' is commonly used in both prepositional and adjectival contexts to express contrast or differentiation.

See also: alike, alikeness, dislike, disliked, likable, like, likelihood, likely, liken, likeness, likewise, liking, unlikeliness.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,758, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.