1 VERB [no cont] If you like something or someone, you think they are interesting, enjoyable, or attractive. □ [V n] He likes baseball. □ [V n] I can't think why Grace doesn't like me. □ [V n] What music do you like best? □ [V v-ing] I just didn't like being in crowds. □ [V to-inf] Do you like to go swimming? □ [V n adj/prep] She likes her steak medium rare. □ [V n + about ] That's one of the things I like about you. You're strong.
2 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you ask someone how they like something, you are asking them for their opinion of it and whether they enjoy it or find it pleasant. □ [V n/v-ing] How do you like America? □ [V n/v-ing] How did you like the trip?
3 VERB [no cont] If you like something such as a particular course of action or way of behaving, you approve of it. □ [V n] I've been looking at the cookery book. I like the way it is set out. □ [V to-inf] The U.S. administration would like to see a negotiated settlement to the war. □ [V n v-ing] She does not like her sister talking to strangers about the past. □ [V v-ing] I don't like relying on the judges' decisions. [Also V n + about n/v-ing]
4 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you say that you like to do something or that you like something to be done, you mean that you prefer to do it or prefer it to be done as part of your normal life or routine. □ [V to-inf] I like to get to airports in good time. □ [V n to-inf] I like him to look smart.
5 VERB If you like something on social media, you click on a symbol to show that you like it. □ [V n] Do you feel hurt if nobody likes your Instagram post?
6 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you say that you would like something or would like to do something, you are indicating a wish or desire that you have. □ [V n] I'd like a bath. □ [V to-inf] If you don't mind, I think I'd like to go home.
7 VERB [no cont, no passive] You can say that you would like to say something to indicate that you are about to say it. □ [V to-inf] I'd like to apologize. □ [V to-inf] I would like to take this opportunity of telling you about a new service which we are offering.
8 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you ask someone if they would like something or would like to do something, you are making a polite offer or invitation. [POLITENESS ] □ [V n] Here's your change. Would you like a bag? □ [V n] Perhaps while you wait you would like a drink at the bar. □ [V to-inf] Would you like to come back for coffee?
9 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you say to someone that you would like something or you would like them to do something, or ask them if they would like to do it, you are politely telling them what you want or what you want them to do. [POLITENESS ] □ [V n] I'd like an explanation. □ [V n to-inf] We'd like you to look around and tell us if anything is missing. □ [V to-inf] Would you like to tell me what happened?
➌ like ◆◆◆ /la I k/ (likes )
1 N‑UNCOUNT You can use like in expressions such as like attracts like , when you are referring to two or more people or things that have the same or similar characteristics. □ You have to make sure you're comparing like with like. □ Homeopathic treatment is based on the 'like cures like' principle.
2 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] Someone's likes are the things that they enjoy or find pleasant. □ I thought that I knew everything about Jemma: her likes and dislikes, her political viewpoints.
3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] On social media, likes are symbols that people have clicked on to show that they like something. □ They might try to dress in a way that generates Facebook likes.
4 → see also liking
5 PHRASE You say if you like when you are making or agreeing to an offer or suggestion in a casual way. □ You can stay here if you like. □ 'Shall we stop talking about her?'—'If you like.'
6 PHRASE You say if you like when you are expressing something in a different way, or in a way that you think some people might disagree with or find strange. □ This is more like a downpayment, or a deposit, if you like.
7 PHRASE You can use the expressions like anything , like crazy , or like mad to emphasize that someone is doing something or something is happening in a very energetic or noticeable way. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ He's working like mad at the moment.
8 PHRASE You say like this , like that , or like so when you are showing someone how something is done. □ It opens and closes, like this.
9 PHRASE You use like this or like that when you are drawing attention to something that you are doing or that someone else is doing. □ I'm sorry to intrude on you like this. □ Stop pacing like that.
10 PHRASE You use the expression something like with an amount, number, or description to indicate that it is approximately accurate. □ They can get something like £3,000 a year. □ 'When roughly would this be? Monday?'—'Something like that.'
11 PHRASE If you refer to something the like of which or the likes of which has never been seen before, you are emphasizing how important, great, or noticeable the thing is. [EMPHASIS ] □ …technological advances the like of which the world had previously only dreamed of. □ We are dealing with an epidemic the likes of which we have never seen in this century. USAGE like
1
Don’t say ‘
2
Use like it
in front of a clause beginning with when
or if
. Don’t say ‘