Enjoy vs. Like: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Enjoy implies taking pleasure or delight in an activity or experience, while like indicates a feeling of preference or favor towards someone or something.
Key Differences
'Enjoy' conveys a deeper, more immersive sense of pleasure or satisfaction, often implying active participation or engagement in an activity or experience. For instance, one might say they enjoy painting, which suggests a deep, fulfilling engagement with the act of painting. In contrast, 'like' is a more general term, indicating a favorable but not necessarily deep or immersive attitude towards something. Saying one likes painting can imply a general positive feeling towards it, without the depth of engagement implied by 'enjoy'.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
The intensity of emotion or involvement in 'enjoy' is typically greater than in 'like'. To enjoy something often means to find joy or great pleasure in it, suggesting a more intense emotional response. On the other hand, to like something doesn't necessarily imply a deep emotional connection; it's often used to express a mild, pleasant feeling towards something.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
In everyday language, 'enjoy' is often used in contexts where an individual is actively engaging in an activity that brings them happiness or satisfaction. For instance, saying "I enjoy hiking" implies active participation and a strong positive feeling. 'Like', however, is more versatile and can be used in a broader range of contexts, from preferences in taste to general opinions, such as "I like sunny weather".
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
The use of 'enjoy' and 'like' can also vary based on context. 'Enjoy' is commonly used when referring to activities or experiences, suggesting a more dynamic engagement. 'Like', however, is often employed in expressing preferences or tastes, which can be more static or general, such as liking a color or a type of food.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
While 'enjoy' often has an emotional connotation, suggesting a heartfelt, joyful experience, 'like' can sometimes be more rationally based. For example, one might like a book for its well-crafted arguments, whereas enjoying a book typically implies a more emotional, immersive reading experience.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To take pleasure in something
To find something agreeable or satisfactory
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Emotional Intensity
Generally implies a higher level of joy
Indicates a milder, more general preference
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Usage Context
Often used for activities and experiences
Broadly used for objects, people, or ideas
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
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Enjoy and Like Definitions
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Like
To find pleasant or attractive; enjoy
Do you like ice cream? I like your style.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Enjoy
(transitive) To receive pleasure or satisfaction from something.
Enjoy your holidays!
I enjoy dancing.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
To believe or predict that (a certain competitor) will win a contest
Which team do you like in tonight's game?.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Enjoy
(transitive) To have the use or benefit of something.
I plan to go travelling while I still enjoy good health.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
To perform well under (a given condition) or using (a given feature)
This car does not like cold weather. The engine does not like enriched fuel.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
To have an inclination or a preference
If you like, we can meet you there.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Enjoy
To take pleasure or satisfaction in the possession or experience of; to feel or perceive with pleasure; to be delighted with; as, to enjoy the dainties of a feast; to enjoy conversation.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Enjoy
To have, possess, and use with satisfaction; to occupy or have the benefit of, as a good or profitable thing, or as something desirable; as, to enjoy a free constitution and religious liberty.
That the children of Israel may enjoy every man the inheritance of his fathers.
To enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
Something that is liked; a preference
Made a list of his likes and dislikes.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
One similar to or like another. Used with the
Was subject to coughs, asthma, and the like.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
Often likes(Informal) An equivalent or similar person or thing; an equal or match
I've never seen the likes of this before. We'll never see his like again.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Enjoy
Derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in;
She relished her fame and basked in her glory
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
Possessing the characteristics of; resembling closely; similar to
Your house is like mine.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
Such as; for example
Saved things like old newspapers and pieces of string.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Enjoy
To be amused or entertained by
The audience enjoyed the comedian's performance.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Like
Possessing the same or almost the same characteristics; similar
On this and like occasions.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
In the manner of being; as if. Used as an intensifier of action
Worked like hell.
Ran like crazy.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
(Nonstandard) Used to provide emphasis or to focus attention on something
Let's like talk about this for a minute. It's like so crowded you can't move.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
In the same way that; as
To dance like she does requires great discipline.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
To enjoy, be pleased by; favor; be in favor of.
I like hamburgers.
I like skiing in winter.
I like the Seattle Mariners this season.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
To prefer and maintain (an action) as a regular habit or activity.
I like to go to the dentist every six months.
She likes to keep herself physically fit.
We like to keep one around the office just in case.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
(obsolete) To have an appearance or expression; to look; to seem to be (in a specified condition).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
(archaic) To come near; to avoid with difficulty; to escape narrowly.
He liked to have been too late.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
To find attractive; to prefer the company of; to have mild romantic feelings for.
I really like Sandra but don't know how to tell her.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
To show support for, or approval of, something posted on the Internet by marking it with a vote.
I liked my friend's last status on Facebook.
I can't stand Bloggs' tomato ketchup, but I liked it on Facebook so I could enter a competition.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
(with 'would' and in certain other phrases) To want, desire. See also would like.
Would you like a cigarette?
We could go to the museum if you like.
I don't like to disturb him when he's working.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
To accept as an input.
We were frustrated that our seeming innocent choice for a team name was rejected by the censor. Apparently somewhere in the name is a word that the censor doesn’t like.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
Something that a person likes (prefers).
Tell me your likes and dislikes.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
(internet) An individual vote showing support for, approval of, or enjoyment of, something posted on the Internet.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
(sometimes as the likes of) Someone similar to a given person, or something similar to a given object; a comparative; a type; a sort.
There were bowls full of sweets, chocolates and the like.
It was something the likes of which I had never seen before.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
(golf) The stroke that equalizes the number of strokes played by the opposing player or side.
To play the like
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
Similar.
My partner and I have like minds.
The two cats were as like as though they had come from the same litter.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
Inclined (to), prone (to).
He seems like to run from any semblance of hard work.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
As if; as though.
It looks like you've finished the project.
It seemed like you didn't care.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
Used to ask for a description or opinion of someone or something
I hear she has a new boyfriend. What's he like?
What's the weather like in Ürümqi today?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
Having the same, or nearly the same, appearance, qualities, or characteristics; resembling; similar to; similar; alike; - often with in and the particulars of the resemblance; as, they are like each other in features, complexion, and many traits of character.
'T is as like youAs cherry is to cherry.
Like master, like man.
He giveth snow like wool; he scattereth the hoar-frost like ashes.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
Equal, or nearly equal; as, fields of like extent.
More clergymen were impoverished by the late war than ever in the like space before.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
Having probability; affording probability; probable; likely.
But it is like the jolly world about us will scoff at the paradox of these practices.
Many were not easy to be governed, nor like to conform themselves to strict rules.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
Inclined toward; disposed to; as, to feel like taking a walk.
Had like to have been my utter overthrow.
Ramona had like to have said the literal truth, . . . but recollected herself in time.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
That which is equal or similar to another; the counterpart; an exact resemblance; a copy.
He was a man, take him for all in all,I shall not look upon his like again.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
A liking; a preference; inclination; - usually in pl.; as, we all have likes and dislikes.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
The stroke which equalizes the number of strokes played by the opposing player or side; as, to play the like.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
In a manner like that of; in a manner similar to; as, do not act like him.
He maketh them to stagger like a drunken man.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
In a like or similar manner.
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
To suit; to please; to be agreeable to.
Cornwall him liked best, therefore he chose there.
I willingly confess that it likes me much better when I find virtue in a fair lodging than when I am bound to seek it in an ill-favored creature.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
To be pleased with in a moderate degree; to approve; to take satisfaction in; to enjoy.
He proceeded from looking to liking, and from liking to loving.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
To have an appearance or expression; to look; to seem to be (in a specified condition).
You like well, and bear your years very well.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
Prefer or wish to do something;
Do you care to try this dish?
Would you like to come along to the movies?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
Find enjoyable or agreeable;
I like jogging
She likes to read Russian novels
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
Feel about or towards; consider, evaluate, or regard;
How did you like the President's speech last night?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
Resembling or similar; having the same or some of the same characteristics; often used in combination;
Suits of like design
A limited circle of like minds
Members of the cat family have like dispositions
As like as two peas in a pod
Doglike devotion
A dreamlike quality
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
Equal in amount or value;
Like amounts
Equivalent amounts
The same amount
Gave one six blows and the other a like number
An equal number
The same number
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
Having the same or similar characteristics;
All politicians are alike
They looked utterly alike
Friends are generaly alike in background and taste
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
Conforming in every respect;
Boxes with corresponding dimensions
The like period of the preceding year
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Like
To enjoy in a mild or general sense
I like watching movies on weekends.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is "like" used only for positive feelings?
Primarily, but it can also express a neutral preference.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Can "enjoy" imply a deep emotional experience?
Yes, it often suggests a more immersive and pleasurable engagement.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Is "like" a weaker form of "love"?
Yes, it's milder than love, indicating a less intense affection or preference.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Is it correct to say "enjoy to do something"?
It's more grammatically correct to say "enjoy doing something."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Can "enjoy" be used in a negative sense?
Rarely, as it primarily conveys positive pleasure.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Can "enjoy" be used in a professional context?
Yes, like enjoying one's work, implying satisfaction in a job.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Does "enjoy" always mean happiness?
Generally, it implies pleasure, but it can vary in intensity.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Can "enjoy" be used to indicate relief?
Indirectly, as in enjoying the absence of pain or stress.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Can "like" be used for inanimate objects?
Yes, like liking a book or a painting.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Does "enjoy" imply a longer experience?
Not necessarily; it can refer to both brief and extended experiences.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Can "like" be used interchangeably with "prefer"?
They're similar, but "prefer" implies a choice between options.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Can "enjoy" be used in a sarcastic manner?
Rarely, but it's possible, like saying "I really enjoyed that," sarcastically.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Can "like" refer to people?
Yes, such as liking a friend or a public figure.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Is "like" used in comparative sentences?
Yes, such as "I like this more than that."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Can "like" imply a wish or desire?
Yes, in contexts like "I would like to go there."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Is "enjoy" used differently in different cultures?
Its core meaning is consistent, but cultural contexts can influence its use.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Is "like" appropriate in formal writing?
Yes, but its usage should fit the tone and context.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Is "like" always personal?
Mostly, though it can also express general approval.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Does "like" have different meanings in social media?
Yes, in social media, "like" can also mean to endorse or support a post.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Does "enjoy" always require active participation?
Often, but it can also imply passive enjoyment, like enjoying a view.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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