mislike

Mislike is an English verb meaning to dislike or to regard something unfavorably; to take a disapproving view of something. In modern usage it is rare and usually found in literary, historical, or formal contexts rather than in everyday speech. The sense ranges from simple personal dislike to moral or critical disapproval.

Etymology and form: Mislike is formed from the prefix mis- (indicating negative or opposite) plus the verb like. The word has its roots in Middle English and was part of the standard verb system in earlier periods. In modern editing and dictionaries, mislike is typically treated as a past-tense and past-participle capable verb, with forms such as misliked or misliked becoming misliked in some dictionaries, and present forms like mislikes and misliking used in literary samples.

Usage and nuance: Mislike can convey a stronger or more formal sense of disapproval than dislike, sometimes implying moral or aesthetic objection. It is more about opposition to an idea, plan, or person than about mere preference. Because of its archaic tone, it is often avoided in contemporary prose unless a historical or stylistic effect is intended.

Examples (illustrative, archaic or literary): "I mislike this proposal and will not consent." "They misliked the new law on moral grounds." In modern equivalents, writers would typically use dislike or disapprove of.

See also: dislike, disapprove, disfavor.