liking
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for liking, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A fondness or preference for something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use liking
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English līcung, built from like plus -ing.
Full origin of liking →Frequently asked questions
What does “liking” mean?
The word “liking” means a fondness or preference for something. In plain terms, a taste or fondness for something.
How do you pronounce “liking”?
“Liking” is pronounced LEYE-kihng (/ˈlaɪkɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “liking” in a sentence?
Here is “liking” used in a sentence: “He has developed a liking for jazz.”
What is another word for “liking”?
Words with a similar meaning to “liking” include predilection.
What part of speech is “liking”?
“Liking” is a noun.
Where does the word “liking” come from?
The word “liking” comes from Old English. From Old English līcung, built from like plus -ing.
Is “liking” a common word?
“Liking” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "liking" and "preference"?
A "liking" is a feeling of fondness or enjoyment for something. A "preference" is a choice of one thing over another. You can have a liking for something without necessarily preferring it above all other options.
Does "liking" take the preposition "for" or "to"?
Both, in different structures. Use "for" when naming what is liked (a liking for jazz), and use "to" in the fixed expression "take a liking to" someone or something.
What is the difference between a "liking" and a "fondness"?
The two are close in meaning and often interchangeable. "Fondness" tends to suggest warmer, deeper affection, while a "liking" can describe a milder or more casual preference.