- 1[transitive] to find someone or something pleasant, attractive, or of a good enough standard; to enjoy something like somebody/something She's nice. I like her. Do you like their new house? Which tie do you like best? How did you like Japan (= did you find it pleasant)? I don't like the way he's looking at me. You have to go to school, whether you like it or not. like doing something She's never liked swimming. like somebody/something doing something I didn't like him taking all the credit. (formal) I didn't like his taking all the credit. like to do something I like to see them enjoying themselves. like it when… I like it when you do that.
- 2[transitive, no passive] to prefer to do something; to prefer something to be made or to happen in a particular way like to do something On weekends I like to sleep late. like something + adj. I like my coffee strong.
- 3[transitive, no passive] what/whatever somebody like to want Do what you like—I don't care. You can dye your hair whatever color you like.
- 4[transitive] used in negative sentences to mean “to be unwilling to do something” like to do something I didn't like to disturb you. like doing something He doesn't like asking his parents for help.
- 5[transitive, intransitive] used with would or should as a polite way to say what you want or to ask what someone wants like something Would you like a drink? like to do something I'd like to think it over. Would you like to come with us? (formal) We would like to apologize for the delay. How can they afford it? That's what I'd like to know. like somebody/something to do something We'd like you to come and visit us. (informal) like for somebody to do something I'd like for us to work together. More Aboutoffers and invitations
- Would you like…? is the most usual polite question form for offers and invitations:Would you like a cup of coffee?
- Do you want…? is less formal and more direct:We’re going to a club tonight. Do you want to come with us?
- Would you care…? is very formal and now sounds old-fashioned.
Thesauruslike - love
- be fond of something
- be crazy about something
- adore
- like to find something pleasant, attractive, or satisfactory; to enjoy something:Do you like their new house? I like to see them enjoying themselves.
- love to like or enjoy something very much:He loved the way she smiled.
- be fond of something (somewhat formal) to like or enjoy something, especially something you have liked or enjoyed for a long time:We were fond of the house and didn't want to leave.
- be crazy about something (informal) to be very enthusiastic or excited about something:Rick is crazy about football. She's not crazy about being told what to do.
- adore (informal) to like or enjoy something very much:He adores working with children.
- Adore is more informal than love, and is used to express a stronger feeling.
- to like/love/be fond of/be crazy about/adore doing something
- to like/love to do something
- to like/love something very much
- I like/love/adore >it>here/there/when…
- to like/love/adore the way somebody does something
- to really like/love/adore somebody/something
- to be really fond of/crazy about something
- 1used to politely agree to something or to suggest something “Shall we stop now?” “If you like.” If you like, we could go out this evening.
- 2(formal) used when you express something in a new way or when you are not confident about something It was, if you like, the dawn of a new era.
like
verbNAmE//laɪk//
(not usually used in the progressive tenses)Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they like he / she / it likes
past simple liked
-ing form liking
used to emphasize that something bad has happened to you and you want some sympathy How would you like it if someone called you a liar?
used to protest that something that has been said is not true or fair “She called you a cheat.” “Well, I like that!”
used to say that you hope or believe that something is true I like to think I'm broad-minded. I'd like to think that you were helping me because you wanted to, not because you felt you had to.
used to say that something is very good or enjoyable You get paid to eat chocolate. So what's not to like! I love a good bagel—what's not to like!
Check pronunciation: like