Cool MateDislike vs Hate
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Dislike
Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
Hate
Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
| Dislike | Hate | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪsˈlaɪk/","/dɪsˈlaɪks/","/dɪsˈlaɪkt/","/dɪsˈlaɪkɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪsˈlaɪk/","/dɪsˈlaɪks/","/dɪsˈlaɪkt/","/dɪsˈlaɪkɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/heɪt/","/heɪts/","/ˈheɪtɪd/","/ˈheɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/heɪt/","/heɪts/","/ˈheɪtɪd/","/ˈheɪtɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | to not like something | to strongly dislike someone or something |
| Example | I really dislike waking up early in the morning. | I really hate waking up early in the morning. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | A1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | cordially, greatly, heartily, be generally disliked, be universally disliked, be widely disliked | particularly, really, absolutely, begin to, come to, grow to, for, hate it when, hate to say, see, think, etc. |
| Antonyms | like, appreciate | love, like, enjoy |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'hate' — 'dislike' is less strong., Using 'dislike' incorrectly in questions — remember to say 'Do you dislike...?'., Mixing it up with 'not like' — it's common but 'dislike' is more direct. | Using 'hate' too casually in friendly conversation., Confusing 'hate' with 'detest' — 'detest' is stronger., Using 'hate' instead of 'dislike' in polite contexts. |
| Usage notes | Use 'dislike' when expressing a strong feeling of not liking something. It's neutral and can be used in both spoken and written contexts. Avoid using it in overly formal situations where 'disapprove of' might be more appropriate. | Use 'hate' when expressing strong aversion or dislike. It's appropriate in most contexts, but can be too intense in formal situations. 'Hate' is stronger than just 'dislike' and can come off as aggressive. |
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Frequently asked questions: Dislike vs Hate
What's the difference between Dislike and Hate?
Dislike: to not like something Hate: to strongly dislike someone or something
Which is more advanced: Dislike and Hate?
Dislike is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Dislike and Hate the same CEFR level?
Dislike: B1, Hate: A1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Dislike and Hate?
Dislike: verb, Hate: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Dislike: I really dislike waking up early in the morning. Hate: I really hate waking up early in the morning.
Can I use Dislike and Hate interchangeably?
Not always. Dislike and Hate are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.