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=CgNpbWcQA5Q4AZMIGCAQEzkgEDMC40mAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXggXEAQMgYIABAIEB4QDxIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQ6BwgjEOoCECc6BwgAEIoFEEM6CAgAEAgQHhguAAAblAZB8bDrAdusQAZIICAAQIQhgQQQ9oAHUktsARQkAQIAeoAHAAeACAAW1IQChcQEB4QDxIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQ6BwgjEOoCECc6BwgAEIoFEEM6CAgAEAgQHhguAAAblAZB8bDrAdusQAZIICAAQIQhgQQQ9oAHUktsARQkAQIAeoAHAAeACAAW1IQChcQEB4QDxIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQ6BwgjEOoCECc6BwgAEIoFEEM6CAgAEAgQHhguAAAblAZB8bDrAdusQAZIICAAQIQhgQQQ9oAHUktsARQkAQIAeoAHAAeACAAW1IQChcQEB4QDxIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQ6BwgjEOoCECc6BwgAEIoFEEM6CAgAEAgQHhguAAAblAZB8bDrAdusQAZIICAAQIQhgQQQ9oAHUktsARQkAQIAeoAHAAeACAAW1IQChcQEB4QDxIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQ6BwgjEOoCECc6BwgAEIoFEEM6CAgAEAgQHhguAAAblAZB8bDrAdusQAZIICAAQIQhgQQQ9oAHUktsARQkAQIAeoAHAAeACAAW1IQChcQEB4QDxIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQ6BwgjEOoCECc6BwgAEIoFEEM6CAgAEAgQHhguAAAblAZB8bDrAdusQAZIICAAQIQhgQQQ9oAHUktsARQkAQIAeoAHAAeACAAW1IQChcQEB4QDxIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQ6BwgjEOoCECc6BwgAEIoFEEM6CAgAEAgQHhguAAAblAZB8bDrAdusQAZIICAAQIQhgQQQ9oAHUktsARQkAQIAeoAHAAeACAAW1IQChcQEB4QDxIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQ6BwgjEOoCECc6BwgAEIoFEEM6CAgAEAgQHhguAAAblAZB8bDrAdusQAZIICAAQIQhgQQQ9oAHUktsARQkAQIAeoAHAAeACAAW1IQChcQEB4QDxIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQ6BwgjEOoCECc6BwgAEIoFEEM6CAgAEAgQHhguAAAblAZB8bDrAdusQAZIICAAQIQhgQQQ9oAHUktsARQkAQIAeoAHAAeACAAW1IQChcQEB4QDxIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQ6BwgjEOoCECc6BwgAEIoFEEM6CAgAEAgQHhguAAAblAZB8bDrAdusQAZIICAAQIQhgQQQ9oAHUktsARQkAQIAeoAHAAeACAAW1IQChcQEB4QDxIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQ6BwgjEOoCECc6BwgAEIoFEEM6CAgAEAgQHhguAAAblAZB8bDrAdusQAZIICAAQIQhgQQQ9oAHUktsARQkAQIAeoAHAAeACAAW1IQChcQEB4QDxIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQ6BwgjEOoCECc6BwgAEIoFEEM6CAgAEAgQHhguAAAblAZB8bDrAdusQAZIICAAQIQhgQQQ9oAHUktsARQkAQIAeoAHAAeACAAW1IQChcQEB4QDxIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQ6BwgjEOoCECc6BwgAEIoFEEM6CAgAEAgQh

  • 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?
  • Is there any specific accent you're trying to emulate (e.g., American, British)?

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

Practice with vocabulary dislike

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Many employees openly expressed their ____ of the new mandatory overtime policy, citing work-life balance concerns.
  2. Although he tried to be polite, his body language clearly showed a strong ____ for public speaking engagements.
  3. The marketing team decided to ____ the proposed campaign slogan because it seemed too aggressive for their target demographic.
  4. She developed a strong ____ to seafood after a bad experience during her childhood vacation.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

Instructions: Choose all appropriate options for each sentence.

  1. After working late several nights in a row, Sarah began to ____ the idea of mandatory team-building activities on weekends. a) look forward to b) dislike c) find tiresome d) welcome

  2. It's crucial to acknowledge that people may ____ certain management styles, and their feedback should be considered respectfully. a) be receptive to b) dislike c) disapprove of d) embrace

  3. Despite the widespread popularity of the new application, some users still ____ its overly complex interface. a) enjoy b) find frustrating c) dislike d) appreciate

  4. The board decided to ____ the merger proposal due to significant financial risks. a) accept b) approve c) reject d) embrace

  5. His strong ____ towards unfair practices made him a vocal advocate for ethical standards. a) appreciation b) indifference c) aversion d) fondness

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence using "dislike": I'm not very fond of receiving unsolicited calls from telemarketers.

  2. Rewrite the sentence using "dislike" or a related word form: The project manager expressed strong disapproval of the team's lack of progress.

  3. Rewrite the sentence without using "dislike" or related word forms: The committee members strongly opposed the proposed budget cuts.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. dislike
  2. dislike
  3. reject
  4. aversion

Exercise 2:

  1. b) dislike, c) find tiresome
  2. b) dislike, c) disapprove of
  3. b) find frustrating, c) dislike
  4. c) reject
  5. c) aversion

Exercise 3:

  1. I dislike receiving unsolicited calls from telemarketers.
  2. The project manager disliked the team's lack of progress.
  3. The committee members strongly objected to the proposed budget cuts.

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