What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
distaste
Example
I have a distaste for spicy food. [distaste: noun]
Example
The smell of the garbage left a distaste in my mouth. [distaste: noun]
Example
She distastes the idea of going to a crowded party. [distastes: verb]
dislike
Example
I dislike horror movies. [dislike: verb]
Example
He has a strong dislike for his boss. [dislike: noun]
Example
She expressed her dislike for the new policy. [dislike: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dislike is more commonly used than distaste in everyday language, making it a more useful word for ESL learners to learn and practice.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between distaste and dislike?
Distaste is more formal than dislike, which is more casual and commonly used in everyday conversation. Therefore, dislike may be more appropriate in informal settings, while distaste may be more suitable for formal or academic contexts.