1 [+ obj] a : to enjoy (something) : to get pleasure from (something)
▪ My son likes baseball. ▪ He likes baseball, but he loves football. ▪ Do you like Mexican food? ▪ I liked the movie a lot more than I thought I would. ▪ She likes (it) that I play the guitar. = She likes the fact that I play the guitar. ▪ She likes it when I play the guitar. [=she enjoys hearing me play the guitar] ▪ I like it very much. = I really like it. = (chiefly Brit) I quite like it. — often + -ing verb ▪ I like playing the guitar. ▪ He doesn't like admitting that he was wrong. — often followed by to + verb ▪ I like to play the guitar. ▪ He doesn't like to admit that he was wrong.
b : to regard (something) in a favorable way
▪ I don't like the idea of leaving my mother alone all week. [=I don't think that it would be a good idea to leave my mother alone all week] ▪ I wouldn't like it if you got the wrong idea. = I wouldn't like you to get the wrong idea. = (US) I wouldn't like for you to get the wrong idea. [=I don't want you to get the wrong idea] 2 [+ obj] : to feel affection for (someone) : to enjoy being with (someone)
▪ I don't know what it is about that guy, but I just don't like him. ▪ I think she likes you. [=I think she is attracted to you] ▪ They were political allies who truly/genuinely liked each other. ▪ What is it that you like or dislike about him most? ▪ a much-liked/well-liked colleague ▪ She says she likes him as a friend but she's not attracted to him. ▪ My boss was a tough guy, but I liked him for his honesty. 3 [+ obj] — used to ask about someone's feelings or opinion about something ▪ So how do you like sailing now that you've tried it? [=do you like or dislike sailing?] ▪ “How do you like this weather?” “I don't like it at all!” ▪ “How do you like Mexican food?” “I love it!” 4 [+ obj] a : to want to have (something) — used with would to make a polite suggestion, offer, or request ▪ Would you like another cup of coffee? ▪ “Would anyone like a drink?” “Yes, I'd like one, please.” ▪ I'd like (a chance) to reply to the last speaker.
b : to want or prefer to do something
▪ Would you like to go sailing? [=do you want to go sailing?] ▪ Despite everything, I (would) still like to think that people are basically good.
c — used in various spoken phrases that typically express anger or surprise ▪ She left without saying a word to me. How would you like it if someone ignored you that way? = How would you like being ignored that way? = How would you like to be ignored that way? [=don't you agree that it was wrong of her to ignore me that way?] ▪ “So she just left without saying a word. How do you like that?” “Incredible!” ▪ (Brit) “You never listen!” “I never listen? I like that!” [=that's not at all true/fair] ▪ “You're an idiot!” “How would you like a punch in the nose?!” [=I'm going to punch you in the nose if you keep talking to me that way] ▪ “He thinks he can beat you.” “I'd (just) like to see him try!” [=he can't beat me; he would lose if he tried to beat me] 5 [+ obj] : to choose or prefer to have (something) in a specified way or condition
▪ “How do you like your steaks cooked?” “I like my steaks medium rare.” 6 [no obj] : to make a choice about what to do, have, etc.
▪ You can leave any time you like. ▪ “What should we do now?” “Whatever you like!” [=whatever you want to do] ▪ We can stay as long as you like. [=as long as you want to stay] ▪ There are plenty of cookies, so take as many as you like. 7 [+ obj] : to do well in (certain conditions)
▪ This plant likes dry soil. ▪ My car does not like cold weather.