unliken.2
/(ˌ)ʌnˈlʌɪk/, U.S. /ˌənˈlaɪk/ In the context of social media: an expression of disapproval or withdrawn support, made by clicking a particular icon on a web page or posting that one has previously ‘liked’ (cf. like v.1 16, unlike v.2 2).
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2008 @silas216 13 Nov. in twitter.com (O.E.D. archive) If there was an [unlike] button, I would be king of the unlikes right now.
2011 Mail & Guardian (S. Afr.) (Nexis) 31 May The formation of a political movement, however much that may displease people who follow the trend of new technologies, does not depend on likes and unlikes on Facebook.
2013 T. E. Young Everything Guide to Crowdfunding xi. 161 You will always have some unlikes every month, but you would like to keep that number to a minimum.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2017; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
unlikeadj.n.1
/(ˌ)ʌnˈlʌɪk/, U.S. /ˌənˈlaɪk/α. early Middle English vnnlic ( Ormulum), Middle English vnlijc, Middle English–1500s unlik, Middle English–1600s unlyke, Middle English–1600s vnlik, Middle English–1600s vnlike, Middle English–1600s vnlyk, Middle English–1600s vnlyke, Middle English– unlike, 1500s vnleke, 1600s unleke; also Scottish pre-1700 onlyk, pre-1700 wnlyk.
β. Middle English onleche, Middle English onliche, Middle English unleche, Middle English unlich, Middle English unliche, Middle English unlichy, Middle English vnlich, Middle English vnliche, Middle English vnlicle (transmission error).
A. adj.† 4. Unlikely, improbable.
1.
a. Not like something else in shape, size, colour, character, etc.; that does not resemble some other person or thing; different from, dissimilar to.
(a) In predicative use, with a pronoun, noun, or noun phrase as complement. Cf. like adj. 1a(a).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > difference > [adjective] > different from
unlikec1175
variantc1400
variable1509
repugnant1551
unconform1653
inconform1659
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 16859 Forr all þatt follc let tatt he wass. Vnnlic all oþerr lede.
c1225 (?c1200) St. Juliana (Royal) 97 Ich am iweddet to an..þe is unlich him.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vi. l. 1862 He was unlich alle othre there.
c1450 (c1400) Julian of Norwich Revelations Divine Love: Shorter Version (1978) 68 (MED) Þowȝ the saule be euer lyke god in kynde and in substaunce, it is oft vnlike in condicion thurgh syn.
?1521 A. Barclay Bk. Codrus & Mynalcas sig. c Beholde my whittell..The hafte is brused, the blade nat worthe a strawe Rusty and tothed, nat moche vnlyke a sawe.
a1568 R. Ascham Rep. & Disc. Affaires Germany (?1570) f. 6v He thought it his most honor to be vnlykest such for his gentlenes, which were misliked of all men for their crueltie.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice ii. ix. 56 How much [thou art] vnlike my hopes and my deseruings. View more context for this quotation
1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 183 [The banana] giues a most delicious..rellish, not much vnlike our choicest Peares.
1676 J. Glanvill Ess. vi. 30 Those, whose Genius and Ways are so unlike him.
1725 A. Pope tr. Homer Odyssey II. ix. 221 A form enormous! far unlike the race Of human birth, in stature.
1750 tr. C. Leonardus Mirror of Stones 112 Some jaspers are not much unlike red porphyry.
1829 J. Mill Anal. Human Mind (1869) II. 252 As unlike to any of those..as the sensation of white is unlike the sensations of the seven prismatic colours.
1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) I. 401 The philosopher has notions of good and evil unlike those of other men.
1914 Chatterbox 278/1 Henry was as unlike his father as any child could be.
1975 J. McPhee Survival of Bark Canoe 35 They made trips not unlike the one we are making.
2016 M. Stevens Cheats & Deceits v. 146 They look completely unlike the chicks of most other bird species.
(b) With complement introduced by to or from (formerly also †fro, unto). Now somewhat archaic. Cf. like adj. 1a(b).
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c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Dan. vii. 19 Y wolde diligently lerne of the fourthe beest, that was gretely vnlijc fro alle.
c1400 Bk. to Mother (Bodl.) 100 (MED) For he is most foul in sinne, and so most unlike to Crist.
a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 6360 Vnlyk is my word to my dede.
c1500 (?a1437) Kingis Quair (1939) cx (MED) Unlike the mone is to the sonne schene.
1530 Myroure Oure Ladye (Fawkes) (1873) ii. 224 How vnlyke worldely worshyp is vnto gostly ioye.
1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour ii. xiv. sig. Xvi This maner of flatery is mooste vnlyke to that whiche is communely vsed.
1556 J. Olde tr. R. Gwalther Antichrist f. 116v Two heades.., farre unlyke the one to the other.
1655 T. Fuller tr. B. Twyne in Hist. Univ. Cambr. i. 15 in Church-hist. Brit. A character most unlike from the rest, and different in the whole kinde for the fashion thereof, betrayeth it to be most corrupted.
1670 R. Baxter Cure Church-div. 238 You would shew yourselves much..unliker to Satan the accuser.
1723 J. Morgan in tr. M. Rabadan Mahometism Explained I. ix. 203 Pourtraictures of all the Creatures their Subjects, which were very unlike to Human Kind, for some had several Heads, others many Arms.
1762 Dialogues of Living iii. 37 Her life was ease and pleasure: how unlike from what she must inevitably be reduced to!
1825 W. Scott Betrothed xiv, in Tales Crusaders I. 266 Their very saints are unlike to the saints of any Christian country.
1873 W. Pater Stud. Hist. Renaissance 80 They were of a spirit as unlike as possible from that of Lorenzo.
1879 W. E. Gladstone Gleanings Past Years II. vi. 271 He was very unlike to any other man.
1912 M. Carter Stowaway's Inheritance ii. 20 The voyagers..expected their trip to be something as unlike to all this as storm is unlike to quiet.
1959 Jrnl. Hist. Ideas 20 166 These arguments are not unlike to those of Photius.
1970 Addison (Illinois) Reg. 29 May 1/2 [The hotel] was constructed in modern American type architecture, stark concrete with steel and glass and looking not too unlike from other modern hotels throughout the world.
1981 Joplin (Missouri) Globe 18 Nov. 3 d/1 Persons who live near the southern part of King Jack Park can expect to hear sounds not unlike to those of a battleground during the next few days.
b. With pronoun, noun, or noun phrase as complement. Not typical or such as one might expect from; uncharacteristic of (a person, group, etc.). Frequently with anticipatory it as subject and followed by a verb (esp. infinitive) phrase. Cf. like adj. 1d.
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the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > [adjective] > characteristic or distinguishing > not characteristic of
unlike1594
uncharacteristic1753
1594 J. Dickenson Arisbas sig. D Hetherto Fortune seemed friendly to mine attempts, but now, least she should be vnlike her selfe, she obscurde the sun-shine of my happinesse with clouds of her inconstancie.
1628 tr. Meslier True Hist. Hipolito & Isabella 64 Restore your selfe to your selfe, and doe not a thing so vnlike you.
1732 Independent Whig (ed. 5) I. Let. to Publisher, p. lix Bold Deceivers..claim a Commission to do every thing that is unlike him [sc. God]; every thing that is unworthy of him.
1846 Standard 14 Aug. Having received the nomination of the Crown, it would be unlike Conservatives to reject them unheard and without a trial.
1887 Irish Monthly Apr. 205 It was unlike him to say unkind things of anyone.
1927 D. H. Lawrence Mornings in Mexico 11 It is so unlike him, to be whistling full vent, when any of us is around.
1967 Economist 16 Dec. 1169/2 It would be most unlike the aggressive Ford company if it did not already have plans to export this in greater numbers (and at greater profit) than before devaluation.
1990 M. Strand Continuous Life 16 How out of character! How very unlike him!
c. Not similar to that or those of. Chiefly in negative contexts. Cf. like adj. 1b.
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1698 J. Crull tr. C. Dellon Voy. to E.-Indies xxii. 65 Its leaves are not unlike to the Laurel, but something larger.
1775 J. Woodforde Diary 13 June (1924) I. 163 His whole Face..was uncommonly ugly, not unlike one of the runabout gipsies.
1866 H. Rowley Story of Universities' Mission Central Afr. vi. 142 One man, who had a voice like a lion, and a head and face not unlike a buffalo.
1898 Jrnl. Polynesian Soc. 7 173 Its leaves are not unlike the karaka.
1905 Fore's Sporting Notes & Sketches 22 188 This smart-looking white-haired elderly gentleman, with a face not unlike a monkey.
2010 S. A. Nielson Forbidden Sea xvii. 183 ‘Graham, stop teasing her,’ Lady Amelia said in a voice not unlike a pouting child.
2. Of two or more people or things.
a. Not like each other; different, dissimilar. Chiefly in predicative use.
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the world > relative properties > relationship > difference > [adjective]
othereOE
otherkinseOE
unilicheOE
elseOE
otherways?c1225
diversc1250
diverse1297
unlikea1300
likelessa1325
sundrya1325
contrariousc1340
nothera1375
strangec1380
anothera1382
otherwisea1393
diversed1393
differenta1400
differing?c1400
deparayll1413
disparable1413
disparail1413
dissemblable1413
party?a1439
unlikeningc1450
indifferent1513
distinct1523
repugnant1528
far1531
heterogene?1541
discrepant1556
mislike1570
contrary1576
distincted1577
another-gainesa1586
dispar1587
another gate1594
dislike1596
unresembling1598
heterogeneana1601
anothergates1604
heterogeneal1605
unmatched1606
disparate1608
disparent?1611
differential1618
dissimilar1621
disparated1624
dissimilary1624
heterogeneous1624
unparallel1624
otherguess1632
anotherguise1635
incongenerous1646
anotherguess1650
otherguise1653
distant1654
unresemblant1655
distantial1656
allogeneous1666
distinguished1736
otherguised1768
unsimilar1768
insimilar1801
anotherkins1855
diff1861
distinctive1867
othergate1903
unalike1934
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > quality of being better or superior > [noun] > better or superior person or thing
betterOE
unlikea1300
superior1537
overmatch1590
transcendent1613
go-by1823
outshiner1864
super-individual1911
a1300 (?c1175) Poema Morale (McClean) l. 316 in Anglia (1907) 30 236 (MED) In godesriche Þar beoþ woniegges fele & ech oþer unliche; Sum þar haueþ lasse murcþe & sum þar haueþ more.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 1726 Ðog him boren ðes ones bles Vn-like manige and likeles.
c1475 Antichrist & Disciples in J. H. Todd Three Treat. J. Wycklyffe (1851) p. cl Loke Cristis copborde, & hors; & þei ben ful unlichy.
1529 tr. M. Luther in tr. Erasmus Exhort. Studye Script. sig. C.iv Before god all thinges be lyke and equalle, whiche notwith standyng yf they be compared to gether the one with the other, they be differente and vnlyke.
1565 T. Stapleton tr. Bede Hist. Church Eng. i. xvii. f. 25v The parties there wer farre vnleke of condition.
1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning ii. sig. Ccc1 The vnlikest in the worlde, the one being fierce..; the other solemn. View more context for this quotation
1688 A. Pitfield tr. C. Perrault Mem. Nat. Hist. Animals 146 These two Species..are unlike not only in their size, but also in their prickles.
1748 J. Colson tr. J. A. Nollet Lect. in Exper. Philos. ii. 162 Hardened Steel, breaks sooner than that which is not hardened..because the Adhesion of it's Particles between one another is less, since they are of unlike Matters.
1770 M. Pilkington Gentleman's Dict. Painters 179 Those two painters were as opposite in their style, as they were unlike in their dispositions.
1807 G. Crabbe Parish Reg. ii, in Poems 81 How fair these Names, how much unlike they look.
1889 F. E. Gretton Memory's Harkback 125 We may take together two other Judges,..as unlike as the bear and the innate gentleman.
1900 Current Lit. Dec. 710/1 There is a parallel between the two great heroes, more like than unlike.
1995 R. McCormmach in A. J. Kox & D.M. Siegel No Truth Except in Details 1 No two personalities in the same field could be more unlike than the austere and reticent Gibbs and the irrepressible Ehrenfest.
b. Exhibiting points of difference or dissimilarity; not uniform; unequal, uneven; variable.
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the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > inequality > [adjective]
unevenOE
unlikea1387
odda1393
unmeeta1393
inequalc1400
inegal1484
impar1535
unegual1542
unequal1565
inequivalent1568
unmatch1570
unegall1589
disequal1622
disparate1764
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1876) VI. 289 Þere was unleche noumbre of array of knyȝtes, for aȝenst an hondred..come a þowsand.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 7917 Þer was wonande þat was vn-like ij. men a pouer and a rike.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ecclus. xxvi. 7 Whan an vnlike pare of oxen must drawe together.
?1550 H. Llwyd tr. Pope John XXI Aphorisms in Treasury of Healthe sig. b.v If the water do appeare vnlike of substance.
1645 J. Milton Tetrachordon 9 Where the different sexe in most resembling unlikenes, and most unlike resemblance cannot but please best.
1696 W. Whiston Disc. conc. Mosaick Hist. Creation 65 in New Theory of Earth Bodies Alike in nature, have an unlike Original.
1708 S. Clarke Third Def. Argument 34 The Circumference of a Circle is the Sum of a Multitude of convex Arches of like Curvity, but cannot be an Aggregate of Straight Lines or of Cubic Bodies or of Arches of unlike Curvity.
1832 Encycl. Americana XI. 592/1 The third are such as contain, besides a simple foot, a short prefix or affix, or in which feet of unlike quantity are connected with each other.
1878 Amer. Homœopath Apr. 155/2 The value of a medicine can only be known when it has been proved by many different persons..; by clients of unlike temperament, and mental and moral states.
1886 Harper's Weekly 17 July 458/2 The different tones of the voices vibrate with unlike speed and force, and thus make different impressions upon the diaphragm.
1911 G. M. Stratton Psychol. of Relig. Life iii. xx. 283 Progress is a resultant of two opposing forces present in most individuals or groups of men, but present in unlike strength.
1994 J. Lorber Paradoxes Gender xii. 282 If women and men are alike, unlike treatment is inequality, but if they are not alike, dissimilar treatment is appropriate.
c. Of mathematical quantities, objects, etc.: different with respect to some mathematical property or quality. See like adj. 4.
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1678 J. Hawkins Cocker's Arithm. vi. 60 Multiplication is performed by two numbers, of like or unlike kinde.
1702 J. Harris New Short Treat. Algebra 50 If it have a positive Sign, the two Roots have like Signs, but if a Negative one, unlike.
1788 J. Mole Elements Algebra ii. 53 The Rest of the Terms being unlike, they are therefore set down with their respective Signs and Co-efficients.
1842 G. W. Francis Dict. Arts Unlike quantities, in algebra, are such as are expressed by different letters, or different roots or powers of the same letter.
1873 E. Olney University Algebra iii. 253 All the corresponding coefficients must have like signs or all unlike signs.
1902 Jrnl. Hygiene 2 15 Take the algebraical sum of it and the one below, that is their sum if the signs are like, and their difference if the signs are unlike.
1962 Amer. Math. Monthly 69 914 When s = 2 and n = 4, F(n) has only 5 unlike terms.
2006 J. Derbyshire Unknown Quantity Introd. 9 Like signs give a positive; unlike signs give a negative.
3. † a. Differing from others of the kind; incomparable, unparalleled; unusual. Obsolete. N.E.D. (1896) interpreted the example in quot. a1400 as adverbial (see unlike adv. 1b), but it seems more likely to be an adjective modifying londe.
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a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) v. l. 4415 Bot certes such usure unliche It falleth more unto the riche.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 5325 Þe kyng lete write lettres ȝare To gider alle..Þe beste in þat londe vnliche [Gött. his kingriche, Fairf. alle þat lande] And dud to make a feest riche.
c1400 (a1349) R. Rolle Meditations on Passion (Cambr.) in Eng. Writings (1931) 22 (MED) Þe love of ȝowre hertys..made ȝow to brenne eyther for oþer with unlyke sorewe to ony oþer woo.
?a1425 (a1325) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Digby 205) f. 26 He was in his lyue euer ryȝt ryche Of richesse before al oþer he was vnliche.
?1483 W. Caxton tr. Caton ii. sig. eiiijv I consydere and suppose that god is so ouer souerayn and vncomparable and vnlyke.
b. Chiefly attributive. Not similar or identical to something previously mentioned or implied; dissimilar to the thing, person, situation, etc., in question; different. Cf. like adj. 3.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > difference > [adjective] > different from the thing in question
unlike?c1400
?c1400 (c1380) G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (BL Add. 10340) (1868) iv. pr. vi. l. 3978 Ne it ne is nat an vnlyke miracle to hem þat ne knowen it nat..whi þat swete þinges ben couenable to some bodies..and to some bodies bittre þinges ben couenable.
1529 T. More Supplyc. Soulys ii. f. xxxvii We myght for shame matche such blyssed sayntes wyth a sorte so farre vnlyke.
1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes f. 5 Nor a muche vnlyke aunswere dyd Wylliam, late archebishop of Canterbury,..gyue vnto me.
1612 T. Taylor Αρχὴν Ἁπάντων: Comm. Epist. Paul to Titus (ii. 5) 395 It is an vnlike case, seeing vowes are voluntarie,..but so are not works of mercie, which are commanded, and necessarie duties.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vi. 517 Part hidd'n veins diggd up (nor hath this Earth Entrails unlike) of Mineral and Stone. View more context for this quotation
1750 T. Wright Orig. Theory Universe v. 41 You may consider it as not much differing from it, not of an unlike Nature, only greater in Degree.
1865 A. C. Swinburne Atalanta in Calydon 620 A god Faultless; whom I that love not, being unlike, Fear, and give honour.
1877 E. R. Conder Basis of Faith ii. 81 Awaiting the presence of unlike atoms to call them forth in turn.
1922 Paper 7 June 22/2 A felt is made for a definite purpose, to operate under certain and often peculiar conditions..and like grades of felts will not give like results operating under unlike conditions.
1967 Elem. School Jrnl. Nov. 62/2 Too often a program that has been successful in one school is applied to an unlike situation in another school.
2000 B. Gottesman Peer Coaching Educators (ed. 2) ii. 19 This could take place in a setting similar to the workplace or in an unlike setting.
a. In predicative use, chiefly with anticipatory it as subject and that-clause as complement. Cf. like adj. 10b. Obsolete (English regional in later use).
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the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > improbability, unlikeliness > [adjective]
unlikec1450
incredible1482
unlikely1529
unlike1559
improbable1598
unsupposable1650
unprobable1684
weak1853
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or extraordinary > [adjective] > belonging to no type or pattern
unlikec1450
sui generis1615
amorphous1804
c1450 (c1400) Cuckoo & Nightingale (Fairf.) (1975) l. 43 Hit is vnlyke for to be [emended in ed. to vnlyke to me] That eny herte shulde slepy be, In whom that love his firy dart wol smyte.
1535 T. Cromwell in R. B. Merriman Life & Lett. T. Cromwell (1902) I. 413 It is not vnlike but that the saide Duke hathe ben deceyued.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 11 The perlouse pointtes þat passe you behoues Hit is vnlike any lede with his liffe pas.
1577 M. Hanmer tr. Socrates Scholasticus i. xi, in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. 237 Neither is it vnlike but that these circumstances might be.
1610 J. Healey tr. J. L. Vives in tr. St. Augustine Citie of God viii. xi. 317 It is vnlike that so sharpe a wit..found not the difference and multitude of things.
1673 S. Colvil Grand Impostor Discovered ii. iii. 20 It's very unlike such an alteration of Government could begin in any other City then Rome.
1729 T. Innes Crit. Ess. Anc. Inhabitants Scotl. II. i. 408 In process of time..'tis not unlike there might come..new colonies from Spain.
1796 R. Southey Joan of Arc iii. 401 Whether so [it is] not unlike Heaven might vouchsafe its gracious miracle.
a1895 E. Smith MS Coll. Warwicks. Words in Eng. Dial. Dict. (1905) VI. 314/2 ‘Shall you go to the Fair?’ ‘It's not unlike.’
b. In predicative use, with to and infinitive as complement. Cf. like adj. 10a Obsolete.See also quot. c1450 at sense A. 4a which may show a construction with for to and infinitive at a slightly earlier date.
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1455 Petition in Rotuli Parl. (1767–77) V. 330/1 In which Act hange greet doubte and ambiguitee, of the feith, trouth and ligeance of many youre true liegemen; the whiche doubte and ambiguitee unremoved, is not unlike to set greet and perilouse division amonge many Lordes.
1538 King Henry VIII Let. to T. Wyatt 16 Oct. in T. Wyatt Wks. (1816) (modernized text) II. 498 Unjust..demands, and unlike to proceed out of a willing heart to conclude.
1584 R. Scot Discouerie Witchcraft iii. xviii. 68 Being through age..vnlike to liue one whole yeare.
1626 in J. Rushworth Hist. Coll. (1659) 286 He thought the Match very unlike to be effected.
1651 Ld. Orrery Parthenissa I. i. i. 26 This Arabian was not altogether unlike to escape unpunished.
1665 R. Boyle Occas. Refl. i. iii. sig. M4v Blessings, that I do not so much as know of, and which consequently I am very unlike particularly to acknowledge.
1715 P. Abercromby Martial Atchievem. Scots Nation II. i. 33 What he relates concerning the Numbers of the Slain on both Sides, I am sure, is as unlike to be true.
1744 S. Bourn Christian Catech. 212 The Apostles..were as unlike to beat down the established Religions of the World, as Children to storm a Garrison.
?1820 Y. S. T. Let. to Ld. Holland: Plan for Reform Abuses in Church 8 Men really fond of the duties of ecclesiastics would be very unlike to devote their time to the pursuits of agriculture.
1869 R. D. Blackmore Lorna Doone I. xxviii. 321 Knowing them to be well weary, very unlike to follow me—and still more unlike to tell of me..—I strode right away.
c. Without likelihood of something. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > improbability, unlikeliness > [adjective]
unlikec1450
incredible1482
unlikely1529
unlike1559
improbable1598
unsupposable1650
unprobable1684
weak1853
1559 W. Baldwin et al. Myrroure for Magistrates Tresilian xiv Thus all went to wracke vnlyke of remedie.
B. n.1
1. A person who or thing which differs in some way from another or others; anything considered in respect of its lack of similarity to something else; that which is not like something previously mentioned or implied. Formerly sometimes spec.: †(with possessive) a person who is not the equal or counterpart of another (cf. like n.1 3) (obsolete).Frequently in contradistinction to like; cf. like n.1
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the world > relative properties > relationship > difference > [noun] > one who is different
unlikec1330
c1330 (?c1300) Bevis of Hampton (Auch.) l. 1099 (MED) Her is..min vnliche, Brademond king, þat is so riche.
?a1500 (a1471) Brut (Lyell) in J. S. Davies Eng. Chron. (1856) 7 (MED) Edmund hadde a crokid bak and was a mysshape and an vnlik.
1542 N. Udall in tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes ii. f. 330v For like beareth fauour to like. And vnlike hateth vnlike.
a1641 J. Everard tr. Divine Pymander (1649) i. 11 The like always takes to it self that which is like, but the unlike never agrees with the unlike.
1664 G. Havers tr. T. Renaudot et al. Gen. Coll. Disc. Virtuosi France lxv. 396 The vertuous must seek his like, the vicious his unlike, for there's no friendship among the wicked.
1760 S. Bourn Series Disc. Princ. Nat. Relig. I. ii. 39 The comparing and judging faculty..distinguishes like and unlike, equal and unequal, fit and unfit.
1834 T. Carlyle Sartor Resartus ii. v. 48/2 This approximation of the Like and Unlike.
1875 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) III. 219 The just does not desire more than his like but more than his unlike.
1915 Amer. Anthropologist 17 602 With the passing of the fear of change, contact with the unlike in type will not be dreaded.
1999 J. Ehrenberg Civil Society i. ii. 40 A single uniform organism implies an integrated union of the like and unlike.
2. In plural. Dissimilar things or people; any group of two or more things considered in respect of their lack of similarity to one another.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > difference > [noun] > dissimilar things
disparate1586
unlikes1588
dissimilar1654
dissimilies1659
dissimilary1661
dissemblable1928
1588 A. Fraunce Lawiers Logike ii. f. 123 The proposition consisteth of three vnlikes.
1612 W. Sclater Sick Souls Salve 1 He amplifies it in a comparison of unlikes.
1664 W. Drage Physical Nosonomy 36 It is a great piece of Art to distinguish inter similia; betwixt unlikes every stupid man may discern.
1750 J. Petvin Lett. conc. Mind xviii. 141 Unlikes and Unequals are comprehended under different, as Likes and Equals are under same.
1857 J. Pulsford Quiet Hours 43 Like can reach like, and act upon it, in a way that unlikes cannot.
1896 Appletons' Pop. Sci. Monthly Feb. 492 All things free to move..tend to come together when they are likes, and to be separated when they are unlikes.
1920 H. G. Atkins & L. H. Hutton Teaching of Mod. Foreign Langs. i. iv. 88 The problem of learning [a foreign language] is the seeing and hearing of likes and unlikes; but we should not let this formula be translated into rules and exceptions.
1981 T. A. Bailey Presidential Saints & Sinners Pref. p. vii Comparing unlikes may be fun as a parlor game, but it is not intellectually satisfying.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2017; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
† unlikev.1
Obsolete. rare.
1. intransitive. To become displeased.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > displeasure > be or become displeased [verb (intransitive)]
mislikec1300
unlikec1300
displease1377
to be displeasedc1386
to take (a) displeasure1490
c1300 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Otho) (1963) 1631 Leir king was wel ipaid and eft onlikede.
2. transitive. To displease.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > displeasure > be displeased with [verb (transitive)] > displease
mislikeeOE
ofthinkeOE
misquemeOE
likec1175
forthinka1225
mispay?c1225
annoyc1300
there glads (also gains, games) him no gleec1300
unpay1340
offenda1382
to be displeasedc1386
to step or tread on the toes ofc1394
mispleasea1400
unlikea1425
edgec1450
injurea1492
discontenta1513
disdain1530
to set (a person's) teeth on edge1535
displeasure1541
mis-set?1553
dislike1578
to tread on any one's heels or toes1710
flisk1792
unentrance1834
to tread on any one's cornsa1855
umbragea1894
a1425 J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) II. 267 (MED) He haþ sorwe of þe synne, bi resoun þat it unlikiþ God.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2017; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
unlikev.2
/(ˌ)ʌnˈlʌɪk/, U.S. /ˌənˈlaɪk/ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > hatred > show suppressed anger, hatred, or resentment [verb (intransitive)] > cease to like
unlike1761
1761 F. Sheridan Mem. Miss Sidney Bidulph I. 147 My heart is not in a disposition to love... I cannot compel it to like, and unlike, and like anew at pleasure.
2. transitive. To withdraw one's liking or approval of (a web page or posting on a social media website that one has previously liked). Cf. like v.1 16.
ΚΠ
2008 @stacyreeves 18 Dec. in twitter.com (O.E.D. Archive) People on Vimeo are fickle. Someone just wrote a nice comment, then deleted it, and someone else marked it as ‘like’ and then ‘un-liked’ it.
2013 Yes! (Philippines) Feb. 26/2 Time to ‘unlike’ those anti-establishment Facebook pages and unfollow those fake Twitter accounts spoofing persons in power.
2015 Coventry Evening Tel. (Nexis) 30 Sept. 7 It was also put to the defendant that he had ‘liked’ and then quickly ‘unliked’ a picture on the pupil's Facebook page.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2017; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
unlikeadv.prep.conj.
/(ˌ)ʌnˈlʌɪk/, U.S. /ˌənˈlaɪk/α. Middle English onlyche, Middle English vnliche.
β. Middle English–1500s vnlyke, 1500s–1600s vnlike, 1500s– unlike; also Scottish pre-1700 vnlike, pre-1700 vnlyk.
A. adv.† 1. † 3. Improbably; without likelihood. Obsolete.
a. Unevenly, unequally. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > inequality > [adverb]
unlike?c1335
unevenly1398
unegally?1541
unegual1542
unequally1548
unmeet?c1600
unequal1604
inadequatively1862
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or extraordinary > [adverb] > in a way that is unparalleled or unique
onlyOE
unilichec1300
unlike?c1335
incomparablyc1422
sans-peer1426
incomparable1482
uncomparably1548
peerless1596
matchlessly1598
peerlessly1600
unimitably1622
unparalleledly1639
matchlessc1650
uniquely1805
unapproachably1846
unsurpassably1859
?c1335 in W. Heuser Kildare-Gedichte (1904) 124 World is wel falliþ vnliche And noȝt euch man ilich.
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. xii. xxxv. 641 The turtur..is a symple bridde as þe coluer and is also vnliche and moche more [L. longe dispariter] chaste.
a1500 (c1425) Andrew of Wyntoun Oryg. Cron. Scotl. (Nero) viii. l. 2630 Na man..evir couythe wit..A mair commendable memore, As þai did of þis puire kinrik, In þat batell bodin vnlyk.
b. Incomparably. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
?a1425 (a1325) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Digby 205) f. 19v Cloten hadde most riȝte to þis kyngeryche But þe oþere were strenger & rycher vnliche [a1450 London Univ. onlyche].
2. Differently, dissimilarly.
a. With complement. In a manner differing from that of; in a different way to. Formerly also with complement introduced by to. Now frequently in negative contexts. In quot. c1450 perhaps with overtones of sense A. 1a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > difference > [adverb] > in a manner unlike
unlikec1390
c1390 Roberd of Cisyle (Vernon) (1930) l. 270 (MED) Alle men on him gon pyke, For he rod al oþer vnlyke.
c1450 ( J. Walton tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Linc. Cathedral 103) 129 (MED) Some supposen þat verray good be þat To ben onered oþer men vnliche.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection i. sig. Biiiiv Whiche the Romans..vsed, but vnlyke to vs.
a1556 T. Cranmer Aunswere vnto Craftie & Sophisticall Cauillation (1580) 13 Christ should be taken from that woman, that speaketh so vnnaturally, and so vnlike his mother.
1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) I. 775/1 Their long, costly and superfluous garmentes, wherein they walke very vnlike to Christ our Lorde, who had a garmente without a seame.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 (1623) i. i. 187 Oft haue I seene the haughty Cardinall..demeane himselfe Vnlike the Ruler of a Common-weale. View more context for this quotation
1643 J. Angier Lancashires Valley of Achor 6 The enemies Lot, so warily cast, fell not unlike to Hamans Lot.
1674 T. Duffett Empress of Morocco Epil. 31 Most unlike a true bred Gentleman, Drunk as a Bitch he left me there in Pawn.
1706 J. Potter Archæologia Græca (ed. 2) I. viii. 43 A Promontory.., extended not unlike to a Peninsula.
1723 Briton No. 18. 77 Philander could contain no longer, (impatient to hear a human creature talk so unlike one of the species).
1780 E. Capell Notes & Var. Readings Shakespeare II. 173/1 The term [sc. dissembling] in question at present is us'd..in the uncommon sense of—forming dissimilarly, forming unlike to others.
1819 W. Scott Bride of Lammermoor viii, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. II. 154 The Master has treated me unlike a gentleman.
1885 G. Gow Down & up again iii. 33 Altogether he looked as well as spoke not unlike an old white-headed crow.
1930 D. M. Smith I married Ranger v. 44 We found fragments of pottery painted not unlike the present Zuñi ware.
1977 New York Mag. May 26/3 A reed virtuoso named Al Gallodoro, who plays quite unlike any other saxophonist.
2013 Tampa Bay (Florida) Times (Nexis) 21 June 33 James (who sings not unlike Dylan during his Nashville Skyline phase).
b. Without complement. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > difference > [adverb]
elseOE
diverselyc1325
diverslyc1384
differentlya1398
another gatea1450
anew1528
unlike1552
different1588
contrary1598
differingly1599
unalike1619
unresemblingly1662
dissimilarlya1771
disparately1881
1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Vnlyke or in a diuers fashyon, dissimiliter.
1595 in Publ. Catholic Rec. Soc. (1908) 5 350 Some tyme yt pleaseth God to reveale his wille..by dreames, as He did to Joseph, Pharo, and others, and here not unlike to His designed martyr.
1606 H. Holland & E. Topsell Hist. Adam ii. f. 35v This was Achabs sinne..and Felix was not vnlike affected.
1877 E. S. Dana Text-bk. Mineral. i. 9 The crystals are formed unlike in all three directions.
1990 Mod. Law Rev. 53 667 It is a procedural doctrine built on Aristotelian foundations which requires like persons to be treated alike, and unlike persons to be treated unlike.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > improbability, unlikeliness > [adverb]
unlikelyc1449
incrediblyc1500
unlike1548
not unprobably1581
improbably1646
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry V f. lxviiv Some say that he was therto stirred..by the dolphyn (and not vnlike).
1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene v. v. sig. Q5v And, though vnlike, they should for euer last, Yet in my truthes assurance I rest fixed fast. View more context for this quotation
1607 A. Newman Bible-bearer sig. E3 Po. But these Hypocrites (perhaps) will say as much by others as you say by them. Theo. Not vnlike so: for they are apt enough to iustifie theyr owne weakenes.
1694 R. Crosfeild Truth brought to Light 21 There is a worthy Gentleman, who..was pleased to say, he was the first Man that propos'd the Tunnage Act to the King. And not unlike.
B. prep.
In contrast to; differently from.In some cases also interpretable as a conjunction with the subordinate clause consisting only of its subject or object. Cf. analogous like prep. 1, and the etymology notes at like adj., adv., conj., and prep. (in the section ‘Notes on prepositional uses’).
ΚΠ
1600 Heroicall Aduentures Knight of Sea iv. 24 Not vnlike the monster Hyenna, shee can chaunge her selfe, and in a moment..transmute her countenance.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) i. vi. 179 The loue I beare him, Made me to fan you thus, but the Gods made you (Vnlike all others) chaffelesse.
1663 R. Boyle Some Considerations Usefulnesse Exper. Nat. Philos. ii. App. 346 Hartshorn..is (unlike most other Hornes of Animals) at certain set Periods of time, deciduous.
1810 G. Crabbe Borough xi. 151 Unlike the nobler Beast, the Bear is bound, And with the Crown so near him, scowls uncrown'd.
1837 Antiq. Athens 68 Unlike the lavish decoration of the temple of Minerva, the Theseium was ornamented with a sparing hand.
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. §27. 196 Unlike the enviable ostrich, I cannot shut my eyes to danger when it is near.
1911 Encycl. Brit. XXIV. 730/1 Unlike her daughters, she was not a professed bluestocking.
1974 Amer. Jrnl. Sociol. 79 1062 This discussion may be useful to specialists, who, unlike me, have carefully read..the debates on these issues.
2012 Sunday Times (Nexis) 1 Apr. (Features section) 7 More and more career women..are childless—and unlike their predecessors feel no guilt.
C. conj.
As is not the case in or with (some comparable place, situation, etc.); in a manner different from.In various constructions; cf. like conj. 1.
ΚΠ
1873 Philos. Trans. Royal Soc. London 163 568 Unlike in other old caves which they frequented, no coprolites of Hyænæ have been found here.
1920 Amer. Bar Assoc. Jrnl. 6 109/1 Unlike in other lands.., in the Philippine Islands even the title, Constitutional History, looks strange to the eye.
1943 Sci. News Let. 20 Feb. 127/2 The welder can move around with it freely, unlike with the use of ordinary foot controls.
1971 M. W. Young Fighting with Food in Massim Society iii. 54 Unlike in many areas of the Massim, men do not attribute malevolent supernatural powers to women.
1981 N.Y. Times 30 Aug. 6/4 Unlike he did in the past when he cordially referred to the coach by his first name, Chinaglia now often refers to Weisweiler as ‘this guy’.
2015 J. Koehler Darjeeling vii. 77 As with wine and olive oil—but unlike with most other agricultural products—all production, from cultivation to processing, takes place on the estate.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2017; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.22008
adj.n.1c1175
v.1c1300
v.21761
adv.prep.conj.?c1335- anti-sophist
- anti-soviet
- anti-sovietism
- anti-spadix
- anti-spam
- anti-spin
- anti-splash
- anti-squatting
- anti-stadholder
- anti-stadholderian
- anti-stalking
- anti-state
- anti-state church
- anti-static
- anti-statism
- anti-statist
- anti-statists
- anti-strike
- anti-submarine
- anti-substantialist
- anti-suffragism
- anti-suffragist
- anti-sun
- anti-supernaturalism
- anti-supernaturalist