noun
Common
liking
LEYE-kihng
Liking (noun) means a fondness or preference for something. Example: “She took a liking to the quiet village the moment she arrived.”
noun
1
A fondness or preference for something.
"She took a liking to the quiet village the moment she arrived."
"He has developed a liking for jazz."
"Is the hotel to your liking?"
How to use liking
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA taste or fondness for something.
Common pairings
a liking for
to your liking
take a liking to
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like liking.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- likings
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She took a _____ to the quiet village the moment she arrived.
Etymology
From Old English līcung, built from like plus -ing.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for liking
See all rhymes for 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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include liking:
