What is dislike? Pronunciation and usage in English

dislike means . Learn how to pronounce and use dislike through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of dislike

dislikeverb

/dɪsˈlʌɪk/
Definition & pronunciation of dislike

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "dislike" in English. Here's a breakdown with audio links to help you:

1. Phonetic Transcription (for accuracy):

  • di-ˈlık
  • di - /di/ (as in "dip")
  • lık - /lik/ (rhymes with "like")

2. Breakdown and Explanation:

  • "Dis-": This is a prefix and is pronounced simply as /dɪ/ (like "di" in "dip"). It's a short, quick sound.
  • "Like": This part is the same as the word "like." It's pronounced /lɪk/.
  • Putting it together: The stress (emphasis) is on the second syllable – "lik."

3. How to Say It (Step-by-Step):

  1. Start with a short "di" sound: (/di/) – like saying "dip."
  2. Add a short "lik" sound: (/lik/) – sounding like the word “like.”
  3. Combine them: “Di-lik”

4. Listening is Key!

The best way to learn is to hear it:

  • Google Audio: [https://www.google.com/search?q=pronunciation+of+dislike&sca_esv=5d06087f801fc797&spell=1&sa=i&ei=l36mZf6tMs6weasPL33AsAw&vkvid=88821878&ved=0CBMQkpAB&oq=pronunciation+of+dislike&gs_lcp=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

  • YouTube Pronunciation: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cE7XVvSkCnw (Listen to a native speaker)

To help me tailor this even further, could you tell me:

  • Are you a beginner or do you have some English experience?
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Usage and examples with the word dislike in English

Let's break down how to use the word "dislike" effectively in English. It's a pretty versatile word with various ways to incorporate it into your speech and writing.

1. Basic Usage - Expressing a Negative Preference

The most common use of "dislike" is to simply state that you don't enjoy something.

  • "I dislike broccoli." (Simple statement of preference)
  • "She dislikes spicy food." (Another straightforward example)
  • "He dislikes waking up early." (Expressing a negative feeling about an activity)

2. Grammatical Structure - How it Works

  • "Dislike + Noun": This is the most frequent structure.

    • "I dislike coffee."
    • "She dislikes that movie."
    • "They dislike the rain."

  • "Dislike + Verb-ing (Present Participle)": Used to describe something you don't enjoy doing.

    • "I dislike waiting in line."
    • "He dislikes working overtime."
    • “She dislikes being interrupted.”

  • "Dislike + Past Participle": Used to describe something you haven't experienced or don't generally like.

    • "I dislike roller coasters." (I haven't ridden them, so I don't like them.)
    • "He dislikes classical music." (He's never really enjoyed it.)

3. Variations & Related Words

  • Don't like: "Don't like" is a perfectly acceptable and very common alternative to "dislike." It's a little more informal. Example: "I don't like pizza."
  • I'm not a fan of…: This is a softer, more polite way to express dislike. "I'm not a fan of mushrooms."
  • I hate: "Hate" is a much stronger word than "dislike." Use it when you have a very strong negative feeling. "I hate doing laundry." (Stronger than "I dislike doing laundry.")
  • I'm averse to…: (Formal) This means you strongly object to something. "I'm averse to public speaking."
  • To be against: “I’m against that idea.” - This expresses a disagreement or disapproval.

4. Using "Dislike" in Sentences - Examples

  • Expressing opinions about people: "I dislike his arrogance."
  • Describing experiences: "I disliked the trip, it was too crowded."
  • Giving reasons: "I dislike him because he's always negative."
  • In responses: "Do you like that song? – No, I dislike it."

5. Level of Formality

"Dislike" is generally considered a fairly neutral word. It’s suitable for most situations. “Don’t like” is slightly more casual. “Hate” is definitely less formal. "Averse to" is very formal.

Resources for More Practice:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you trying to use "dislike" in a specific context (e.g., writing an essay, talking to friends, etc.)?
  • Do you want to know how to say "dislike" in a particular style (e.g., formal, informal)?

Synonyms for the word dislike

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