liking

/ˈlaɪkɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈlaɪkɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈlī-kiŋ/ (ame, mw)

liking — noun

1. a positive emotional response toward a person, thing, or activity — you feel ple

1.名詞B1
釋義

a positive emotional response toward a person, thing, or activity — you feel pleased when you spend time with that person or do that thing

例句

From the first day of school, Ravi had a strong liking for his history teacher.

have a liking for [person]

The stray cat showed its liking for Leila by rubbing against her leg every morning.

show one's liking for [person/animal]

同義詞
  • fondness

    softer and more gentle than 'liking'; often used for people or small animals

  • affection

    stronger emotional bond, usually between people who are close

  • taste

    focuses on personal preference in style or aesthetics, less emotional than 'liking'

反義詞
  • dislike

    a direct opposite — a negative feeling toward someone or something

  • aversion

    a strong and active feeling of not wanting to be near something

文法句型

have a liking for + noun/gerund

show a liking for + noun/gerund

用法筆記

Typically used with the verb 'have' or 'show', followed by the preposition 'for' and a noun or gerund. Describes a sustained positive feeling rather than a passing preference.

常見錯誤

❌I have a liking for play tennis.
✅I have a liking for playing tennis.
💡After 'liking for,' use a noun or a gerund (-ing form), not a bare verb.
❌I have a liking to coffee.
✅I have a liking for coffee.
💡The correct preposition after 'liking' in this sense is 'for,' not 'to.'

2. the standard by which a person judges whether something is suitable, enjoyable,

2.名詞B2
釋義

the standard by which a person judges whether something is suitable, enjoyable, or acceptable — used in fixed phrases that compare how things are with how someone would prefer them to be

例句

The room temperature was much warmer than usual for Theo's liking.

too [adj] / more [adj] than usual for one's liking

If the sauce is not to your liking, the chef can prepare a different one.

to one's liking (suitable for someone)

同義詞
  • taste

    closest synonym; 'to one's taste' is an alternative form of 'to one's liking'

  • preference

    more general; does not fit in the phrase 'to one's preference' as naturally

文法句型

too + adjective + for + possessive + liking

to + possessive + liking

用法筆記

This sense appears almost entirely in two fixed phrase patterns: (1) 'to + possessive + liking' meaning 'suitable for someone,' and (2) 'too + adjective + for + possessive + liking' meaning 'more than someone prefers.' The possessive must match the subject of the sentence.

常見錯誤

❌The food is to my liking taste.
✅The food is to my liking.
💡'To one's liking' is a complete phrase; do not add extra words like 'taste' or 'style.'
❌This music is not for my liking.
✅This music is not to my liking.
💡The correct preposition in the suitability phrase is 'to,' not 'for.' ('For one's liking' is used with patterns like 'too hot for my liking.')