likable

/ˈlaɪkəbl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈlaɪkəbl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈlī-kə-bəl/ (ame, mw)

likable — adjective

  • likablepositive
  • more likablecomparative
  • most likablesuperlative

1. the standard American English spelling of 'likeable,' used without the letter 'e

1.形容詞
釋義

the standard American English spelling of 'likeable,' used without the letter 'e' before the ending

例句

Kwame worked hard to come across as likable during his interview in Houston.

American English: likable (not likeable)

Nandini's warm and likable personality made her popular at the Dallas office.

用法筆記

This is the standard spelling in American English. British English uses 'likeable' (with an 'e'). The pronunciation and meaning are identical in both varieties.

常見錯誤

❌She is the most likeable teacher in the school.' (when writing for an American audience).
✅She is the most likable teacher in the school.
💡American English generally drops the 'e' before the suffix '-able.'

2. having a friendly, pleasant nature that makes people feel warmly toward you with

2.形容詞B1
釋義

having a friendly, pleasant nature that makes people feel warmly toward you without any effort or show

例句

Santiago turned out to be the most likable person at the whole weekend workshop.

superlative: most likable

The stray cat had matted fur and one torn ear, yet it was surprisingly likable.

adverb + likable: surprisingly likable

同義詞
  • agreeable

    more formal; often describes willingness to go along rather than personal appeal

  • pleasant

    broader in scope; can describe experiences, weather, and surroundings, not just people

  • charming

    suggests a stronger, often more active appeal through wit or charisma

  • amiable

    formal; emphasizes good-natured friendliness, more common in writing than speech

反義詞
  • unlikable

    direct opposite; describes someone hard to warm to

  • disagreeable

    more formal; emphasizes an unpleasant manner

用法筆記

Often modified by degree adverbs (very, quite, extremely, instantly). Unlike 'charming,' which can imply a deliberate effort to appeal, 'likable' describes a natural, unforced quality that makes others warm to a person.

常見錯誤

❌My new colleague is very like-minded.' (when trying to say someone is easy to like).
✅My new colleague is very likable.
💡'like-minded' means sharing similar opinions; it is not related to being pleasant or easy to like.