dislike
B2Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
A feeling of not liking something or someone; a negative sentiment or aversion.
Can also function as a verb meaning to feel distaste for or hostility towards. As a noun, it can refer to the specific object of such a feeling (e.g., 'my dislike of noise').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
'Dislike' is less intense than 'hate' or 'loathe' but stronger than 'don't care for.' It implies an active, conscious negative feeling, not merely an absence of liking. As a verb, it is a stative verb, typically not used in continuous forms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. Both varieties use the word identically in terms of syntax and semantics.
Connotations
Equally neutral/conventional in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common and used with the same frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
dislike + noun/pronoundislike + -ing form (gerund)dislike + the fact that-clauseVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take a dislike to someone/something”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Often used in feedback or surveys (e.g., 'Employees dislike the new software interface').
Academic
Used to express critical stance or methodological reservations (e.g., 'The author dislikes reductionist explanations').
Everyday
Common for expressing personal preferences about food, activities, or people (e.g., 'I dislike mushrooms').
Technical
Rare in highly technical contexts; more precise terms are preferred.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I thoroughly dislike his arrogant manner.
- She dislikes driving in heavy rain.
- They dislike the way the new policy was implemented.
American English
- I really dislike his attitude.
- She dislikes waiting in long lines.
- They dislike how the system works.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb form exists; 'dislikingly' is extremely rare and not standard).
American English
- (No standard adverb form exists).
adjective
British English
- She gave him a dislike look. (Note: This is rare and non-standard; 'disliking' as a present participle adjective is more common, e.g., 'a disliking glance').
American English
- He is the most dislike character in the show. (Note: This is non-standard; 'disliked' is the standard adjective form).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I dislike cold weather.
- She dislikes tomatoes.
- My brother dislikes homework.
- Many people dislike getting up early.
- What do you dislike about your job?
- He took an instant dislike to his new neighbour.
- I've always had a strong dislike for unfairness.
- The committee expressed its dislike for the proposed changes.
- Despite her dislike of public speaking, she gave a great presentation.
- His cordial dislike for bureaucracy was well known among his colleagues.
- The critic's deep-seated dislike of romanticism coloured all his reviews.
- She dislikes being pigeonholed as a writer of a single genre.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DISLIKE = DIS (not/opposite) + LIKE. Think: 'The opposite of like.'
Conceptual Metaphor
AFFECTION/AVERSION IS TASTE (e.g., 'I dislike the taste of his proposal.'); NEGATIVE EMOTION IS A BURDEN (e.g., 'She carries a deep dislike for him.').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'не нравиться' – 'dislike' is an active feeling, not merely an absence of liking. 'Dislike' is stronger. Avoid using 'dislike' where 'ненавидеть' (hate) is intended in Russian.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in a continuous form (e.g., 'I am disliking this' – incorrect).
- Confusing 'dislike' (verb/noun) with 'unlike' (preposition).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'dislike' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'dislike' is a stative verb. It describes a state, not an action. Therefore, it is not typically used in continuous/progressive tenses (e.g., 'I am disliking' is incorrect).
Both 'dislike of' and 'dislike for' are correct and commonly used (e.g., 'a dislike of crowds' / 'a dislike for crowds'). There is no significant difference in meaning.
No, it is not standard. The verb 'dislike' is typically followed by a noun, a gerund (-ing form), or a noun clause. Use the gerund: 'She dislikes waiting' (not 'She dislikes to wait').
'Dislike' is slightly more formal and often implies a more active or considered negative feeling. 'Don't like' is more neutral and common in everyday speech. 'Dislike' can also be a noun, whereas 'don't like' cannot.