Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Language: Old English
Origin: lician

like

2 verb
     
like2 S1 W1 [transitive not usually in progressive]
1

think something is nice

to enjoy something or think that it is nice or good [↪ love; ≠ dislike]:
I like your jacket.
I don't really like classical music.
Do you like this colour?
I like my coffee quite weak.
I don't like it when you get angry.
How do you like living in London (=how much do you like it)?
like doing something
I don't like talking in public.
like to do something
I like to see people enjoying themselves.
In time, I got to like her (=began to like her).
I quite like their new album.
We really liked the film.
The time I like best (=like most of all) is the evening when it's cool.
like something about somebody/something
One of the things I like about John is his sense of humour.
I didn't like the idea of being a single parent.
2

like a person

to think that someone is nice or enjoy being with them:
Jessica's really nice, but I don't like her boyfriend.
You'll like my brother.
She's a lovely girl and I like her very much.
3

approve of something

to approve of something and think that it is good or right:
I don't like dishonesty.
I don't like the way he shouts at the children.
like doing something
He's never liked talking about people behind their backs.
like somebody doing something
I don't like him taking all the credit when he didn't do any of the work.
like to do something
She doesn't like to swear in front of the children.
4

do something regularly

to try to do something regularly or make something happen regularly
like to do something
I like to get up early and get a bit of work done before breakfast.
like somebody to do something
We like our students to take part in college sports activities.
5

want

would like

a) used to say that you want something or want to do something [↪ love]:
I'd like a cheeseburger, please.
would like to do something
I'd like to see that film.
There's something I'd like to tell you.
I'd like to apologize for my behaviour yesterday.
I'd just like to say how grateful we are for your help.
would like somebody to do something
He would like us all to be at the meeting.
b) used to ask someone if they want something or want to do something:
Would you like a drink?
What would you like to eat?
Contact our office if you would like more information.
would somebody like to do something
Would you like to come with us?
How would you like (=would you like) to spend the summer in Italy?
would somebody like somebody to do something
Would you like me to pick you up in the morning?
➔ see usage note wish1
6

whatever/wherever/anything etc you like

whatever thing you want, in whatever place you want etc:
You can sit wherever you like.
You can choose anything you like from the menu.
7

as long as you like/as much as you like etc

as long, as much etc as you want:
You know you're welcome to stay with us as long as you like.
Take as many as you like.
8

(whether you) like it or not

used to emphasize that something unpleasant is true or will happen and cannot be changed:
Like it or not, people are often judged by their appearance.
9

I'd like to think/believe (that)

used to say that you wish or hope something is true, when you are not sure that it is:
I'd like to think that we offer an excellent service.
I would like to believe that the company can be successful in the future.
10 spoken

if you like

British English
a) used to suggest or offer something to someone:
I can give you her phone number, if you like.
If you like, I could go with you.
b) used to agree to something, even if it is not really what you want yourself:
'Shall we get a takeaway on the way home?' 'If you like.'
c) used to suggest one possible way of describing something or someone:
We don't have a proper agreement, but we have an informal understanding, if you like.
11 spoken

romantic

to think someone is sexually attractive [↪ love]:
Do you think Alex likes me?
12 spoken

I'd like to see you/him do something

used to say that you do not believe someone can do something:
I'd like to see you organize a conference!
13 spoken

how would you like something?

used to ask someone to imagine how they would feel if something bad happened to them instead of to you or someone else:
How would you like being left alone for hours in a strange place?
How would you like it if someone treated you in that way?
14 spoken

I like that!

British English used to say that what someone has said or done is rude and unfair:
I like that! She didn't even say thank you!
15 spoken

like it or lump it

used to say that someone must accept a situation or decision they do not like because it cannot be changed
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
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