like
like — verb
1. to think that someone or something is nice, fun, or good in some way
to think that someone or something is nice, fun, or good in some way
Yasmin likes chocolate, especially dark chocolate with roasted almonds.
like + noun for objects of enjoyment
The children really like swimming at the public pool on hot days.
like + verb-ing for general enjoyment
Vikram likes to read science books before he goes to sleep each night.
like + to-infinitive for habit or choice
Iker does not like cold weather, so he always wears a warm coat in winter.
negative form: do/does not like + noun
Adina said she liked the Taiwanese film very much and wants to see it again.
adverb intensifier: like + very much
- like very much
- like a lot
- really like
- don't/doesn't like
- like + noun/pronoun
- like + verb-ing
- like + to-infinitive
- enjoy
stronger and more active than 'like'; suggests getting pleasure from the experience itself
- love
much stronger; expresses deep affection or enthusiasm
- be fond of
slightly more formal and often used for people or animals rather than activities
- be into
informal; suggests a strong, active interest in a particular topic or hobby
Grammar Patterns
like + noun/pronoun
like + verb-ing
like + to-infinitive
don't/doesn't like + noun/verb-ing/to-infinitive
Usage Note
Unlike stronger verbs such as 'love' or 'enjoy,' 'like' can express a mild to moderate level of approval. The -ing form often suggests general enjoyment ('I like swimming'), while the to-infinitive can refer to a specific choice or habit ('I like to swim before breakfast'). In standard English, both are correct for most situations.
Common Mistakes
2. to press a small button on a social media website to tell the person who posted
to press a small button on a social media website to tell the person who posted it that you enjoy a photo, a comment, or a shared message
Omar liked every photo that Lien posted from her trip to the mountain.
like + noun (photo) on social media
More than two thousand people have liked the video since it was shared this morning.
passive: be liked by [many people]
If you like this page, you will see our new posts in your news feed.
conditional: if + like + noun
Élise liked the charity's post and then shared it with her classmates.
- like a post
- like a photo
- like a video
- like a comment
- like a page
Grammar Patterns
like + noun/pronoun (post, photo, video, comment)
Usage Note
The object is usually a social media post, photo, video, comment, or page. Different platforms use different icons for this action — Facebook and Instagram use a thumbs-up or heart symbol, but the verb 'like' is common across platforms.
3. a polite way to tell someone what you want to have or to do, using the verb 'wou
a polite way to tell someone what you want to have or to do, using the verb 'would' before 'like'
I would like a cup of tea with milk and sugar, please.
would like + noun for polite requests
Christopher said he would like to book a table for two people at eight o'clock.
would like + to-infinitive
Yumi asked her guests if they would like some more rice with the curry.
question form: would + subject + like + noun
We would like to thank everyone who helped us organise the school event.
- would like
- I'd like
- would you like
- would like + noun
- would like + to-infinitive
Grammar Patterns
would like + noun
would like + to-infinitive
question: would + subject + like + noun/to-infinitive
Usage Note
Always paired with 'would' ('I'd like…') to express a polite request. The contracted form 'I'd like' is very common in spoken English. Using 'like' alone ('I like a coffee') does NOT express a polite request — it means enjoyment (sense 1). Never use the -ing form after 'would like'.
Common Mistakes
4. a polite way to ask someone to do something for you, using the verb 'would' befo
a polite way to ask someone to do something for you, using the verb 'would' before 'like' and mentioning the person you are asking
I would like you to help me wash the dishes after dinner tonight.
would like + object + to-infinitive
The manager would like all staff to arrive on time for the team meeting.
Would you like me to open the window before the lecture starts?
question: would + subject + object + to-infinitive
Beatrix would like her students to finish the homework by Friday morning.
- would like + object + to-infinitive
- would you like me to
- I'd like you to
- would like + someone + to + verb
Grammar Patterns
would like + object + to-infinitive
question: would + subject + like + object + to-infinitive
Usage Note
The structure 'would like + object + to-infinitive' asks someone to do something (sense 4), while 'would like + noun/to-infinitive' asks for something for yourself (sense 3). For example, 'I'd like you to go' (sense 4) vs. 'I'd like to go' (sense 3). Also used in offers: 'Would you like me to…?' is a polite way of offering help.
Common Mistakes
like — noun
1. someone or something that shares important qualities with a person or thing alre
someone or something that shares important qualities with a person or thing already mentioned; usually appears in the fixed expression 'the like(s) of'
Liang's homemade noodles are so good; I have never tasted the like of them.
fixed phrase: the like of + pronoun
The old library had a calm feel that you rarely find the like of today.
Sahil is a musician whose like we rarely see in our town.
whose like + clause describing uniqueness
A storm of this severity — we have not seen the like in decades.
- the likes of
- the like of
- and the like
- counterpart
focuses on matching role or position, more formal
- equal
emphasizes same quality or level, often in ability
- sort
more general category, less idiomatic
Grammar Patterns
the like(s) of + noun/pronoun
Usage Note
Appears mainly in the fixed expressions 'the like(s) of', 'the like', or 'whose like'. Can refer to people, objects, or abstract ideas.
Common Mistakes
2. used after a list of examples to show that other things of the same general type
used after a list of examples to show that other things of the same general type are also included; similar in meaning to 'and so on' or 'etc.'
The lunch menu offers soups, salads, sandwiches, and the like.
and the like — listing similar items
On weekends, Élise enjoys hiking, biking, camping, and the like with her friends.
and the like — listing similar activities
The stationery shop sells paper, pens, notebooks, and the like for students.
Older teenagers often spend money on clothes, music, and the like.
- and the like
Grammar Patterns
[item1], [item2], and the like
Usage Note
Always appears as the fixed phrase 'and the like' at the end of a list. The items listed must be from the same general category. Compare with 'and so forth' — same function, slightly more formal.
3. the things that a person enjoys or prefers; used especially when talking about s
the things that a person enjoys or prefers; used especially when talking about someone's tastes or what they choose to do in their free time
The dating app asks new users to list their likes and dislikes.
likes and dislikes — common paired expression
Ezra's personal likes include jazz music and restoring old motorcycles.
personal likes — adjective + plural noun
The teacher encourages children to explore their own likes in art class.
When choosing a birthday gift, Allison considers her friend's likes carefully.
Bao's likes and dislikes have shifted a lot since she moved to the city.
likes and dislikes — showing change over time
- likes and dislikes
- personal likes
- your likes
- list likes
- preferences
more formal, broader in meaning
- tastes
focuses on aesthetic or cultural choices
- dislikes
things one does not enjoy
Grammar Patterns
likes and dislikes
possessive + likes
Usage Note
Almost always used in plural form 'likes', frequently paired with 'dislikes' in the fixed expression 'likes and dislikes'. The singular form 'like' is not used for this meaning.
Common Mistakes
4. used to say that something is too expensive, too exclusive, or otherwise unsuita
used to say that something is too expensive, too exclusive, or otherwise unsuitable for a particular kind of person, often suggesting a difference in social status
That expensive French restaurant is not for the likes of ordinary students.
not for the likes of — dismissive expression of suitability
Bao felt that the private golf club was not for the likes of him.
The designer shop on Main Street is too pricey for the likes of me.
for the likes of + pronoun — common pattern
Eshe's grandfather said such modern music was not for the likes of him.
- for the likes of
- not for the likes of
- beneath
suggests something is below someone's dignity rather than above their reach
- suitable for
appropriate or fitting for someone
Grammar Patterns
not for the likes of + noun/pronoun
Usage Note
Frequently used in informal speech to express that something is above one's social or economic level. The speaker typically puts themselves or their group as the 'likes of' subject. Often carries a tone of self-deprecation or mild resentment.
5. an action on social media where you press a button to tell someone you enjoyed t
an action on social media where you press a button to tell someone you enjoyed their post or comment; often represented by a thumbs-up icon
Rodrigo's photo of the sunset from the beach received over two hundred likes.
receive + number + likes
Lauren clicked the like button on her friend's post about the trip.
The singer's new music video got a million likes in just one day.
got + number + likes — common social media pattern
William rarely gives a like to anything he sees on social media.
Mert's funny comment earned more likes than the original post.
earn + more likes than — comparative pattern
- get likes
- receive likes
- click like
- like button
- thousands of likes
- earn likes
Grammar Patterns
get/receive/earn + number + likes
click the like button
Usage Note
Countable noun — you can have hundreds or thousands of likes. The related verb sense is 'to like' (click the like button). Widely used across platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok) though the actual symbol may vary.
Common Mistakes
like — adjective
1. sharing most features or qualities with another person or thing, without being i
sharing most features or qualities with another person or thing, without being identical.
Naoko and her cousin have like tastes in music, both loving jazz and bossa nova.
attributive: like + noun (tastes)
The community garden brings together people of like mind who care about local food.
fixed phrase: of like mind
The artist hung three paintings of like size along the gallery wall.
Bilal found two chairs of like design at the antique shop near his flat.
Doctors, nurses, therapists, and the like all work together in the rehabilitation centre.
fixed phrase: and the like
- like minds
- like qualities
- like size
- like amount
- of like mind
- and the like
- similar
the standard modern word; can be used both attributively and predicatively
- analogous
more formal; compares systems, structures, or processes
- comparable
suggests that two things can be evaluated side by side for similarities
Grammar Patterns
like + noun (attributive)
of like + noun
and the like (fixed phrase)
Usage Note
Unlike the preposition 'like', the adjective is rarely used predicatively in modern English. It occurs most naturally in attributive position before a noun or in fixed phrases such as 'of like mind' and 'and the like'.
Common Mistakes
2. sharing the same opinions, interests, or goals as another person or group.
sharing the same opinions, interests, or goals as another person or group.
Élise enjoys spending weekends with like-minded friends who share her love of hiking.
attributive: like-minded + plural noun (friends)
The coding club brings together like-minded students who want to build mobile apps.
Sirin found like-minded travellers on the tour bus to the ancient ruins.
Lucía joined a writing group to find like-minded creatives who enjoy poetry.
- like-minded people
- like-minded individuals
- like-minded friends
- like-minded group
- compatible
emphasises the ability to work or live together harmoniously
- congenial
suggests that the shared interests make interaction pleasant
- kindred
literary; implies a deep, almost instinctive connection
- incompatible
implies that the differences cause conflict or difficulty
- dissimilar
a neutral opposite, without the negative connotation
Grammar Patterns
like-minded + plural noun (people)
Usage Note
Almost always appears before a plural noun referring to people (friends, colleagues, students, travellers). The compound form 'like-minded' is far more common in modern English than the two-word form 'like minded'.
Common Mistakes
3. having the same type of electrical or magnetic charge, so that two such objects
having the same type of electrical or magnetic charge, so that two such objects push each other away.
Like poles of two magnets always push each other away in a physics experiment.
technical: like poles / like charges
The science teacher showed how like charges make the plastic strips fly apart.
In the battery experiment, the two like terminals repelled each other strongly.
Nikhil learned that like magnetic poles never meet when you push two magnets together.
- like poles
- like charges
- like magnetic poles
Grammar Patterns
like + noun (poles, charges)
Usage Note
Restricted to scientific contexts discussing electromagnetism. 'Like' here contrasts with 'unlike' (as in 'unlike poles attract'). The noun that follows is almost always plural.
4. probable or expected to happen, based on the available information — now used al
probable or expected to happen, based on the available information — now used almost exclusively in set phrases.
As like as not, the morning train will be delayed by fog in the valley.
fixed phrase: as like as not
Like enough, the little bakery sells out of bread by ten o'clock each morning.
fixed phrase: like enough
Andrei thought it was like enough the village would flood after the rain.
As like as not, the ferry will cancel its trip when the wind picks up.
- as like as not
- like enough
- unlikely
the direct modern opposite
Grammar Patterns
as like as not (fixed phrase)
like enough (fixed phrase)
Usage Note
This sense is archaic or dialectal in most varieties of English. In modern writing, use 'likely' instead. The phrases 'as like as not' and 'like enough' survive as set expressions, primarily in British English.
Common Mistakes
like — adjective combining form
1. used after a noun to form an adjective describing a person whose manner or behav
used after a noun to form an adjective describing a person whose manner or behaviour is typical of a particular group, or a place that has the comforting qualities associated with something.
During the board meeting, Marta presented her plan in a businesslike manner.
compound adjective: businesslike + manner (professional, efficient behaviour)
The cottage has a homelike warmth that makes guests feel they are visiting family.
Adisa showed sportsmanlike conduct by shaking hands with every player after the match.
compound adjective: sportsmanlike + conduct (fair, gracious behaviour)
Young Jude thanked the host with such polite, ladylike manners that everyone smiled.
Aoi wrote a workmanlike report that covered every detail without wasting a single word.
- businesslike manner
- businesslike attitude
- homelike atmosphere
- homelike warmth
- sportsmanlike conduct
- sportsmanlike behaviour
- ladylike manners
- workmanlike report
- workmanlike effort
- -ish
a suffix with a similar function, but often carries negative connotations (childish vs childlike; womanish vs womanlike)
- -ly
forms adjectives from nouns (friendly, manly) but is less freely available for new coinages
- -esque
more formal and artistic; suggests a stylistic resemblance rather than manner or behaviour
Grammar Patterns
[noun]-like
Usage Note
This combining form is highly productive and can be used with most nouns, though it is most common with nouns naming roles and professions (business, sportsman, lady, workman). Unlike the preposition 'like', which takes a complement (like a child), this element attaches directly to the noun as a closed or hyphenated compound.
Common Mistakes
like — adverb
1. In informal spoken English, this word is used to introduce the thoughts, feeling
In informal spoken English, this word is used to introduce the thoughts, feelings, or words a person had during a past event, before you actually say what those were.
When Antonia found out she passed the test, she was like, "Yes!"
be + like + direct speech for reporting a reaction
Emre was like, I have no idea what the teacher just said.
Obi was like, "This is the best pizza I have ever eaten!"
be + like + quoted exclamation
When the power went out, Talia was like, "What do we do now?"
Hoa was like, I can't believe we have to wait another hour.
be + like + reported thought without quotation marks
- was like
- were like
- I was like
Grammar Patterns
be + like + quoted speech / reported thought
Usage Note
Only appropriate in informal, spoken contexts. The words after 'like' can be exact quotes or a paraphrase of what you thought or felt. Do not use this sense in formal writing or academic essays.
Common Mistakes
2. In casual speech, this word is used as a filler while you pause to think of what
In casual speech, this word is used as a filler while you pause to think of what to say next, or it is placed before an adjective or description to make the statement sound stronger.
The soup was, like, way too salty to finish.
like as a filler before an extreme adjective
Christopher was, like, the only person who knew the answer.
like + noun phrase for approximation
The dress is, like, super cute but way too expensive.
Yasmin was, like, totally shocked when she heard the news.
like + intensifier + adjective
The hotel was, like, so far from the beach that we took taxis everywhere.
- like so
- like really
- like totally
- like way
Grammar Patterns
like + adjective or adjective phrase
like + noun phrase for approximation
Usage Note
Common in casual conversation, especially among younger English speakers. Using 'like' as a filler more than once or twice per sentence can make the speaker sound uncertain. Avoid this use entirely in formal or written English.
Common Mistakes
like — auxiliary verb
1. used before the main verb to say that something very nearly happened but did not
used before the main verb to say that something very nearly happened but did not actually happen
Christopher like to have tripped over the cables when the lights went out.
like + to have + past participle expressing 'nearly happened'
Nadia like to have screamed when a bat flew into her bedroom at midnight.
Anjali's grandfather like to have dropped the antique vase when the cat startled him.
The children like to have fallen into the pond while chasing a runaway ball.
Tariq like to have spilled hot soup on his new shirt at the dinner table.
Grammar Patterns
like + to have + past participle
Usage Note
Chiefly dialectal and informal. Expresses that an action very nearly happened but did not. Usually followed by 'to have' plus a past participle. In standard English, 'nearly' or 'almost' is used instead.
Common Mistakes
like — conjunction
1. used like 'as if' or 'as though' before a clause that compares what you see, hea
used like 'as if' or 'as though' before a clause that compares what you see, hear, or feel to an imagined scene or situation — often suggests something appears to be happening but may not be certain
It looks like Rania has already finished packing her suitcase for the trip.
looks like + clause for describing appearance
The stew smells like Kabir added too much chilli powder this time.
When Ignacio heard the news, it felt like someone had just handed him a prize.
Wren sounded on the phone like she had been running through the rain.
sounded like + clause for auditory impression
It seems like the restaurant is closed for the holidays this week.
- looks like
- sounds like
- feels like
- smells like
- seems like
Grammar Patterns
like + clause describing sensory impression
Usage Note
Common with sensory verbs such as look, sound, feel, smell, and seem.
Common Mistakes
2. used to compare two actions or situations by saying they happen in a similar man
used to compare two actions or situations by saying they happen in a similar manner
Nia plays the piano just like her grandmother did at the same age.
play (instrument) just like + clause comparing skill
The new accounting software works like the old system did but much faster.
You cannot treat a close friend like you treat a stranger and keep their trust.
In this coastal town, life continues like it has for many generations.
continue like + clause describing ongoing tradition
Xiu handled the upset customer like the training video showed her to.
- just like
- works like
- treat like
Grammar Patterns
like + clause comparing similarity
Usage Note
Often used with 'just' for emphasis: 'just like' strengthens the comparison.
Common Mistakes
3. used to introduce the specific method, instruction, or pattern that someone foll
used to introduce the specific method, instruction, or pattern that someone follows
Arrange the chairs like Ari showed us during the morning practice session.
imperative: arrange like + clause for demonstrating method
Lan decorated her small apartment like the magazine pictures recommended.
Michael trained the junior team like his own coach had trained him years ago.
Astrid cut the fabric like the sewing pattern instructed her to do.
cut like + clause for following written instructions
The robot assembled the parts like the engineer programmed it to do.
- like + instruction
- like + demonstration
- like + pattern
- the way
interchangeable in most contexts; slightly more informal
- according to
more formal; used with rules or written instructions
Grammar Patterns
like + clause describing method or instruction
Usage Note
Frequently appears in instructions and commands where the speaker is showing someone how to do something.
Common Mistakes
4. used in informal speech to introduce examples within a full clause, especially w
used in informal speech to introduce examples within a full clause, especially when listing two or more specific items that belong to a broader category
Root vegetables like carrots and potatoes grow well in cool climates.
like + noun phrase for giving examples
Like mangoes and berries, fresh fruit is a healthy choice for dessert.
fronted: 'Like [examples], [subject] [predicate]'
Team sports keep children active, like basketball and football.
end-posed: '[subject] [predicate], like [examples]'
Early-morning practice suits musicians like Layla and Kabir best.
Natural disasters like earthquakes and floods can destroy entire communities.
- things like
- places like
- sports like
- foods like
- such as
more formal; standard in academic and business writing
- for instance
used at the beginning of a sentence rather than embedded
Grammar Patterns
like + noun phrase giving examples within a clause
Usage Note
Considered informal; in formal writing 'such as' is preferred over 'like' for introducing examples.
Common Mistakes
like — preposition
1. used to say that one person or thing shares qualities, features, or appearance w
used to say that one person or thing shares qualities, features, or appearance with another person or thing
Sahil looks just like his father when he smiles.
like + noun phrase for personal comparison
This fabric feels like silk but costs much less.
feel like + noun for texture comparison
A city like Taipei has many night markets and busy streets.
Lara sings like a professional even though she is only twelve.
The cake tastes like the one my grandmother used to bake.
taste like + noun phrase for flavour comparison
- look like
- sound like
- feel like
- taste like
- smell like
- seem like
- just like
- similar to
more formal than 'like'; works in academic or professional writing
- resembling
used mainly for physical appearance; more formal and less common in everyday speech
- akin to
formal; describes a close connection or similarity in nature rather than appearance
- unlike
direct opposite; used to highlight differences
- different from
more common in everyday speech than 'unlike'
Grammar Patterns
like + noun/noun phrase for comparison
Usage Note
Commonly used after sensory verbs such as look, sound, feel, taste, and smell to make direct comparisons between two things.
Common Mistakes
2. used with a sensory verb and a following clause to express what you infer or con
used with a sensory verb and a following clause to express what you infer or conclude from something you see, hear, or notice — the clause tells what the evidence points to
It sounds like Baraka is catching a cold from his voice.
sound like + clause indicating probability
The sky looks like it might rain this afternoon.
From the cheering, it felt like the team had already won.
Hugo's cough sounds like he needs to see a doctor soon.
The deal feels like it could fall apart at any moment.
feel like + clause expressing judgement
- sound like
- look like
- feel like
- seem like
Grammar Patterns
seem/look/sound + like + clause
Usage Note
Typically follows sensory verbs (look, sound, feel, seem) and takes a full clause. The subject is often the dummy 'it' or a concrete noun (sky, voice, noise).
Common Mistakes
3. used to show that a particular action or quality matches what is expected of a c
used to show that a particular action or quality matches what is expected of a certain person or thing
It is just like Quan to arrive early and help set up the chairs.
it is just like + person + to-infinitive
It is not like Layla to forget someone's birthday.
This cold, rainy weather is just like spring in this part of the island.
That sort of patience is so like her grandfather.
Getting lost on a walk is very like Esteban when he tries a new route.
- just like
- not like
- so like
- typical of
more formal and explicit; works in any register
- characteristic of
formal; often used in writing about personalities or group traits
- unlike
used to say something is not typical of someone: 'It is unlike him to be late.'
Grammar Patterns
it is (just) like + person + to-infinitive
it is not like + person + to-infinitive
Usage Note
Very common in the fixed expressions 'it is (just) like [someone] to [do something]' and 'it is not like [someone] to [do something]'. Without these patterns, 'of' may replace 'like' in formal writing (e.g. 'typical of').
Common Mistakes
4. used before a noun or noun phrase that gives an example of the type of thing you
used before a noun or noun phrase that gives an example of the type of thing you are talking about
Hugo enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and swimming.
like + noun phrase examples after a category noun
Many fruits like oranges and apples are rich in vitamins.
They visited several European cities like Paris and Berlin.
Noor prefers team sports like basketball and volleyball over individual ones.
Some animals like bears and hedgehogs sleep through the whole winter.
like + examples after the subject noun
- like + noun (examples)
- such as
more formal; preferred in academic and professional writing
- for example
conjunction, not a preposition; introduces a full example sentence rather than a noun phrase
Grammar Patterns
[category noun] + like + [example noun phrase(s)]
Usage Note
In formal or academic writing, 'such as' or 'for example' is often preferred. 'Like' is more common in everyday speech and informal writing when giving examples.
Common Mistakes
more like…
idiomUsed to correct a previous number or amount with a more accurate one.
The repair cost was more like $500, not $300.
She said it took an hour, but it was more like two.
more like (it)
idiomUsed to say that something is better or more satisfactory than before.
This coffee is more like it—strong and hot.
After the adjustments, the sound was more like it.
Used to express mild annoyance or surprise at someone's silly or annoying action.
What is he like? He left his keys in the car again.
What am I like? I forgot my own birthday.
like — suffix
1. used at the end of a noun to make an adjective that compares a thing's physical
used at the end of a noun to make an adjective that compares a thing's physical appearance, sound, or texture to that noun — for example, describing a voice as 'bell-like' (clear and ringing), or fabric as 'velvet-like' (soft and smooth). Unlike the adjective combining form '-like', which describes behaviour or character (businesslike), this suffix focuses on sensory resemblance.
Her singing had a bell-like quality that filled the whole hall.
suffix attached to noun (bell-like)
The new sofa has a soft, velvet-like surface that feels very smooth.
The Watanabe garden is park-like, with large trees and winding paths.
His childlike sense of wonder made every trip to the museum exciting.
suffix attached to child (childlike)
Tariq painted a lifelike portrait of Mayor Tanaka using only charcoal.
suffix attached to life (lifelike)
- -ish
often adds a rougher or more approximate quality (girlish versus girllike); -ish can also carry a negative tone.
- -ly
forms adjectives from nouns with a similar function (friendly, manly), but -ly has different historical origins and is less freely productive.
- -esque
suggests an artistic or stylised resemblance (picturesque, Kafkaesque); more formal and less common than -like.
Grammar Patterns
[noun] + -like
Usage Note
When the base noun is a short, common word (child, life), the suffix is usually written without a hyphen. With longer or less common nouns (velvet, park), a hyphen is more typical.
Common Mistakes
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: verb/1
While 'like' is the most neutral and broadly used verb for expressing enjoyment, it occupies the middle of a spectrum of intensity. 'Enjoy' is stronger and more active — it emphasises the actual experience of pleasure rather than a general preference. For example, 'I like jazz' simply states a preference, while 'I enjoy jazz' suggests you actively get pleasure from listening to it. 'Love' sits far higher on the intensity scale. In everyday conversation, 'love' is used for things you feel strongly about ('I love hiking in the mountains'), though it can sound exaggerated if applied to trivial matters. 'Be fond of' is gentler and slightly more formal; it works best for people, animals, and enduring habits ('She is fond of her old cat'). 'Be into' is informal and suggests an active, engaged interest in a specific topic or activity ('He is really into photography'). It is common among younger speakers but should be avoided in formal writing. 'Adore' is even stronger than 'love' and carries a sense of affection or admiration that borders on reverence; it is more common for people ('She adores her grandmother') than for activities. A useful guideline: use 'like' for everyday, moderate enjoyment; 'enjoy' when the experience itself matters; 'love' for strong enthusiasm; 'be fond of' for enduring, gentle affection; and 'be into' when talking about active hobbies in casual conversation.
Common collocations
Etymology
The word 'like' has two distinct roots that merged in English. The verb form comes from Old English 'lician' (to please, be pleasing), from Proto-Germanic '*likōną', related to Gothic 'leikan' (to please). The preposition, adjective, and conjunction senses derive from Old English 'gelīc' (having the same form or qualities), from Proto-Germanic '*galīka-' (with a corresponding body), a compound of '*ga-' (with) + '*līką' (body, form). This same root produced German 'gleich' (same, similar) and Dutch 'gelijk'. The social-media noun and verb senses (clicking a 'like' button) are 21st-century innovations, first appearing on Facebook in the late 2000s and quickly spreading across all major platforms.