What does "dislike" mean?
An attitude or a feeling of distaste or aversion.
Dislike
/dɪsˈlaɪk/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An attitude or a feeling of distaste or aversion.
- Grammar: dislike is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: disapproval, disfavor, abhor, abhorrence.
- Useful contrasts: desired, fancy claim, french prédilection.
- Usage evidence: A majority of students dislike history.
How to use "dislike"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "dislike" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "dislike" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "dislike" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "dislike" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "dislike" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "disapproval" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "dislike", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An attitude or a feeling of distaste or aversion.
"In deference to Queen Victoria's dislike of high speed, the specials were allowed about 75 min. for the journey on the Deeside line, but after her death, they were slightly accelerated."
- 2 an inclination to withhold approval from some person or group wordnet
- 3 Something that a person dislikes (has or feels aversion to). plural-normally
"Tell me your likes and dislikes."
- 4 a feeling of aversion or antipathy wordnet
- 5 An individual vote showing disapproval of, or lack of support for, something posted on the Internet. Internet
Verb
- 1 To displease; to offend. In third-person only. obsolete, transitive
"customes and conceipts differing from mine, doe not so much dislike [translating desplaisent] me, as instruct me[…]."
- 2 have or feel a dislike or distaste for wordnet
- 3 To have a feeling of aversion or antipathy towards; not to like. transitive
"In the thick of the railway controversies of his day, Francis naturally had his prejudices. It seems that he cordially disliked the aristocracy in general."
- 4 To leave a vote to show disapproval of, or lack of support for, something posted on the Internet. Internet
"Rebecca Black's "Friday" video has gained notoriety for being one of the most disliked videos in YouTube history."
Antonyms
Example
"A majority of students dislike history."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "dislike"?
Common synonyms include: disapproval, disfavor, abhor, abhorrence, abominate, abomination.
How do you use "dislike" in a sentence?
A majority of students dislike history.
How do you pronounce "dislike"?
Pronounced /dɪsˈlaɪk/.
Etymology
From dis- + like.