a dislike for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dislike for" is correct and commonly used in written English. It is often used to express a negative feeling or aversion towards something. It can be used in both formal and informal writing, and is appropriate in a variety of contexts. Example: She had always had a dislike for spicy food, but her friends convinced her to try the curry dish anyway.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He also confesses a dislike for crowds of people.

The Guardian - Music

Mohammed developed a dislike for the U.S. in his time here.

The New Yorker

The teams stirred a dislike for each other during a series of hits and taunts.

The New York Times - Sports

This masked a dislike for showing his hand, or revealing his real thoughts or intentions.

Independent

Many people have cultivated a dislike for Katie Roiphe's books, essays, reviews and persona.

The New York Times - Books

That's not just because of a dislike for bureaucracy and unnecessary overhead.

The New York Times

They also share a dislike for the imprisoned oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky.

The Guardian - Business

I don't have a dislike for either of them, or their wives, for that matter.

The New York Times

There, in the fall of 2007, they bonded over a dislike for the U.S.A. Patriot Act.

The New York Times

"So it's really not a dislike of the other team, it's just a dislike for any opponent".

Independent

The latter was perhaps a sign of one of his later characteristics: a dislike for the company of scholars.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a dislike for", ensure that the object of dislike is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "He has a dislike for things", specify "He has a dislike for crowded places".

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overuse of "a dislike for", which can sound informal or weak. Opt for stronger, more precise terms like "aversion", "antipathy", or "disapproval" depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dislike for" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It expresses a negative sentiment or aversion toward something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

16%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dislike for" is a versatile phrase used to express aversion or negativity towards something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across varied contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While generally neutral in tone, alternative expressions like "a distaste for" or "an aversion to" might be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance and formality. Be mindful of the object of dislike and avoid overuse in highly formal contexts for optimal clarity and impact. The high expert rating and frequent usage underscore its reliability and effectiveness in expressing a nuanced sense of aversion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distaste for

Indicates a mild dislike or aversion.

an aversion to

Suggests a strong dislike coupled with a desire to avoid something.

a loathing of

Implies a very strong feeling of disgust or intense dislike.

a hatred of

Expresses a deep and intense feeling of animosity.

a detestation of

Highlights a strong sense of dislike and disgust.

a strong antipathy toward

Formally indicates a deep-seated feeling of aversion or dislike.

a disinclination for

Indicates a lack of enthusiasm or willingness towards something.

a lack of enthusiasm for

Emphasizes the absence of positive feelings or excitement.

an opposition to

Highlights active resistance or disagreement rather than just dislike.

a resistance to

Focuses on the act of opposing or preventing something due to dislike.

FAQs

How can I use "a dislike for" in a sentence?

You can use "a dislike for" to express an aversion or negative feeling towards something. For example: "She has "a dislike for" early morning meetings" or "His "a dislike for" bureaucracy is well-known".

What are some alternatives to "a dislike for"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a distaste for", "an aversion to", or "an antipathy toward" to express a similar sentiment.

Is "a dislike for" formal or informal?

"A dislike for" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, more precise or stronger terms might be preferred.

What's the difference between "a dislike for" and "a hatred of"?

"A dislike for" indicates a general aversion or negative feeling, while "a hatred of" expresses a much stronger and more intense feeling of animosity. The latter suggests a deeper, more emotional opposition.