unlike

/'ʌn'laik/

Thân thiện

The two siblings are very unlike in their appearance.

Definition

1. Preposition:

   • Different from; not like: Used to indicate a difference or dissimilarity between two or more things or people.

2. Adjective:

   • Dissimilar; different: Describing things or people that are not alike or equal in nature, form, or quality.

Usage

• As a Preposition: "Unlike" is used to introduce a contrast by showing how one thing is different from another. It is typically followed by a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase.
• As an Adjective: "Unlike" is used to describe a quality of being different. It often follows a linking verb like "be" or "seem."

Examples

• Preposition:
  • Unlike his brother, he prefers quiet evenings at home.
  • The climate here is warm, unlike the cold weather in the north.
• Adjective:
  • The two paintings are completely unlike in style.
  • For sisters, their personalities are very unlike.

Advanced Usage

• "Unlike anything (else)": Used to emphasize that something is completely unique or different.
  • The new architecture is unlike anything we've seen before.
• "Unlike before/previous": Used to contrast a current situation with a past one.
  • Unlike before, the company now has a clear strategy.

Variants and Related Words

• Unlikely (adj): Not probable; not expected to happen.
  • It is unlikely to rain today.
• Dislike (v/n): To not like something; a feeling of not liking.
  • I dislike cold weather.
• Alike (adj/adv): Similar to each other.
  • The twins look very alike.

Synonyms

• Different from (prep): Not the same as.
• Dissimilar to (prep): Not alike.
• Distinct from (prep): Clearly different.
• Divergent (adj): Tending to be different.

Antonyms

• Like (prep/adj): Similar to; resembling.
• Similar to (prep): Having a resemblance.
• Alike (adj): Similar.

Notes on Usage

• Grammar: When "unlike" is used as a preposition, it must be followed by an object (a noun or pronoun). As an adjective, it can be used predicatively (after a verb).
• Common Error: Avoid using "unlike" to mean "not probable." That meaning is conveyed by the word "unlikely."
  • Incorrect: It is unlike that he will come.
  • Correct: It is unlikely that he will come.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. not equal in amount
   • they distributed unlike (or unequal) sums to the various charities
2. marked by dissimilarity
   • for twins they are very unlike
   • people are profoundly different

Từ đồng nghĩa

• dissimilar
• different