student asking question

What is the difference between "dislike" and "can't stand"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Both "dislike" and "can't stand" have very similar meanings; to hate, loathe, detest. However, "can't stand" has a harsher and stronger meaning of hatred than dislike does. If you "can't stand" someone, it means that you really hate being around that person and try to avoid that person as best as you can. Here are a few example sentences of both being used. Ex: Ugh, I can't stand him. He is so rude to everyone. Ex: I dislike eating carrots. Ex: She is someone that I cannot stand. Ex: She dislikes cats.

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