ENGLISH
REFERENCE

unlike

adj.
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ənˈɫaɪk// UK //ʌnlˈaɪk// un·like Archaic General-service

adj. different from someone or something else. You use it to point out a contrast between two things.

adj. dissimilar to or different from another person, object, or situation. Used to introduce a contrast between the subject of a clause and the noun phrase that follows.


SIMPLE

Unlike her sister, she loves spicy food.

CONTEXTUAL

Unlike the previous model, this new smartphone features a waterproof casing and a significantly longer battery life.

COMPLEX

Unlike many of his contemporaries who embraced the rapid industrialisation of the era, the poet remained deeply suspicious of urban expansion and its effect on the rural landscape.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English unlic, unlich, from Old English unlīċ, unġelīċ (“unlike, different, dissimilar, diverse”), from Proto-Germanic *ungalīkaz. By surface analysis, un- + like. Cognate with Dutch ongelijk, German ungleich, Old Norse úlíkr (see there for North Germanic descendants).

Etymology 2

From Middle English unliken, unlyken, equivalent to un- + like.

Usage

Typically functions as a preposition followed by a noun or pronoun; can also appear as an adjective meaning 'not similar'.

Pitfall

Unlike to his brother, he is tall.Unlike his brother, he is tall.Unlike is a preposition and does not take the word 'to' before the noun.

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