Fancy vs. Like — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 20, 2024
Fancy involves admiration with a desire for something, often with an implication of high regard or aesthetic appeal, while like indicates general favor or enjoyment towards something.
Difference Between Fancy and Like
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Key Differences
Fancy is used to express a more intense or romantic interest in someone or an object, often based on visual appeal or luxury. Whereas, like is a broader term that indicates approval or enjoyment of someone or something, without necessarily implying a deep or aesthetic attraction.
Fancy often connotes a level of desire that might not be driven by practicality; it can imply wanting something because it is attractive or prestigious. On the other hand, like is usually more grounded in genuine affection or preference, without the connotations of luxury or impracticality.
In usage, "fancy" can also mean to imagine or conceive of something in a particular way. Whereas, "like" lacks this imaginative connotation and is straightforward in expressing similarity or enjoyment.
Fancy can be used as a verb, adjective, or noun, adding versatility in expressions of admiration or desire. On the other hand, like primarily functions as a verb and sometimes as a preposition, focusing on feelings of enjoyment or similarity.
When used in questions or casual conversation, "Do you fancy...?" can suggest an offer or a proposal, hinting at a special occasion or choice. Whereas, "Do you like...?" is more commonplace and can refer to general preferences or tastes without any special connotation.
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Comparison Chart
Connotation
Desire with an emphasis on aesthetics or luxury
General approval or enjoyment
Usage
Verb, adjective, noun
Verb, sometimes preposition
Context
Often romantic or high-end scenarios
Casual, everyday scenarios
Emotional Depth
Can imply deep admiration or desire
Typically indicates moderate affection
Imaginative Use
Can mean to imagine or conceive
Used to express similarity or enjoyment
Compare with Definitions
Fancy
To feel a romantic or aesthetic attraction to something.
I fancy that old Victorian house on the corner.
Like
To find pleasant or satisfactory.
I like your new haircut.
Fancy
To have a particular liking or desire for.
I fancy a cup of tea right now.
Like
To enjoy or favor.
She likes going to the beach on weekends.
Fancy
As a noun, a liking or desire.
That car is his latest fancy.
Like
Used to indicate similarity.
He runs like the wind.
Fancy
To imagine or visualize.
Do you fancy yourself as a millionaire one day?
Like
To show approval or preference for.
He likes your proposal for the new project.
Fancy
Used to describe something elaborate or luxurious.
They live in a fancy apartment downtown.
Like
As a preposition, having the same characteristics as.
She acts like her mother.
Fancy
Highly decorated
A fancy hat.
Like
In English, the word like has a very flexible range of uses, ranging from conventional to non-standard. It can be used as a noun, verb, adverb, adjective, preposition, particle, conjunction, hedge, filler, and quotative.
Fancy
Complex or intricate
The fancy footwork of a figure skater.
Like
Having the same characteristics or qualities as; similar to
She looked nothing like Audrey Hepburn
He used to have a car like mine
They were like brothers
Fancy
Elegantly fashionable or sophisticated
A fancy restaurant.
A fancy way of asking for a loan.
Like
Used to draw attention to the nature of an action or event
Why are you talking about me like that?
I apologize for coming over unannounced like this
Fancy
Of superior grade; fine
Fancy preserves.
Like
Such as; for example
The cautionary vision of works like Animal Farm and 1984
Fancy
Excessive or exorbitant
Paid a fancy price for the car.
Like
In the same way that; as
People who change countries like they change clothes
Fancy
Bred for unusual qualities or special points.
Like
As though; as if
I felt like I'd been kicked by a camel
Fancy
The mental faculty through which whims, visions, and fantasies are summoned up; imagination, especially of a whimsical or fantastic nature.
Like
Used with reference to a person or thing of the same kind as another
The quotations could be arranged to put like with like
I know him—him and his like
Fancy
Something imagined or invented by the mind
"As the fancies that kept crowding in upon him only made him more excited, he got out of bed and tried to think." (Sherwood Anderson).
Like
The things one likes or prefers
A wide variety of likes, dislikes, tastes, and income levels
Fancy
A capricious liking or inclination
I have a fancy for a glass of wine.
Like
(of a person or thing) having similar qualities or characteristics to another person or thing
I responded in like manner
The grouping of children of like ability together
Fancy
A romantic liking or interest
She's taken a fancy to you.
Like
Used in speech as a meaningless filler or to signify the speaker's uncertainty about an expression just used
There was this funny smell—sort of dusty like
Fancy
The enthusiasts or fans of a sport or pursuit considered as a group.
Like
Used to convey a person's reported attitude or feelings in the form of direct speech (whether or not representing an actual quotation)
So she comes into the room and she's like ‘Where is everybody?’
Fancy
The sport or pursuit, such as boxing, engaging the interest of such a group.
Like
In the manner of
Like as a ship with dreadful storm long tossed
Fancy
To have a liking or enthusiasm for
Fancies sports cars.
Like
Find agreeable, enjoyable, or satisfactory
People who don't like reading books
All his classmates liked him
I like to be the centre of attention
Fancy
To have a desire or inclination for
Would you fancy a cup of coffee?.
Like
Wish for; want
I'd like to hire a car
Would you like a cup of coffee?
I'd like you to stay
Fancy
To take a romantic interest in (someone)
Do you think he fancies her?.
Like
To find pleasant or attractive; enjoy
Do you like ice cream? I like your style.
Fancy
To imagine or suppose
"I fancy she is an exceedingly proud woman" (Jane Austen).
Like
To want to have
I would like some coffee.
Fancy
The imagination.
Like
To prefer
How would you like your coffee—with sugar or without?.
Fancy
An image or representation of anything formed in the mind.
Like
To feel about; regard
How do you like these new theater seats?.
Fancy
An opinion or notion formed without much reflection.
Like
To believe or predict that (a certain competitor) will win a contest
Which team do you like in tonight's game?.
Fancy
A whim.
I had a fancy to learn to play the flute.
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.
Fancy
Love or amorous attachment.
He took a fancy to her.
Like
(Archaic) To be pleasing to.
Fancy
The object of inclination or liking.
Like
To have an inclination or a preference
If you like, we can meet you there.
Fancy
Any sport or hobby pursued by a group.
Trainspotting is the fancy of a special lot.
The cat fancy
Like
(Scots) To be pleased.
Fancy
The enthusiasts of such a pursuit.
He fell out of favor with the boxing fancy after the incident.
Like
Something that is liked; a preference
Made a list of his likes and dislikes.
Fancy
A diamond with a distinctive colour.
Like
One similar to or like another. Used with the
Was subject to coughs, asthma, and the like.
Fancy
That which pleases or entertains the taste or caprice without much use or value.
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.
Fancy
A bite-sized sponge cake, with a layer of cream, covered in icing.
A French fancy; a fondant fancy; cream fancies
Like
Possessing the characteristics of; resembling closely; similar to
Your house is like mine.
Fancy
(obsolete) A sort of love song or light impromptu ballad.
Like
In the typical manner of
It's not like you to take offense.
Fancy
In the game of jacks, a style of play involving additional actions (contrasted with plainsies).
Like
In the same way as
Lived like royalty.
Fancy
Decorative, or featuring decorations, especially intricate or diverse ones.
This is a fancy shawl.
Like
Inclined or disposed to
Felt like running away.
Fancy
Of a superior grade.
This box contains bottles of the fancy grade of jelly.
Like
As if the probability exists for
Looks like a bad year for farmers.
Fancy
Executed with skill.
He initiated the game-winning play with a fancy deked saucer pass to the winger.
Like
Such as; for example
Saved things like old newspapers and pieces of string.
Fancy
(colloquial) Unnecessarily complicated.
I'm not keen on him and his fancy ideas.
Like
Possessing the same or almost the same characteristics; similar
On this and like occasions.
Fancy
(obsolete) Extravagant; above real value.
Like
In the manner of being; as if. Used as an intensifier of action
Worked like hell.
Ran like crazy.
Fancy
(nonstandard) In a fancy manner; fancily.
Like
(Informal) Probably; likely
Like as not she'll change her mind.
Fancy
(formal) To appreciate without jealousy or greed.
I fancy your new car, but I like my old one just fine.
Like
Nearly; approximately
The price is more like 1,000 dollars.
Fancy
(British) would like
I fancy a burger tonight for dinner.
Do you fancy going to town this weekend?
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.
Fancy
To imagine, suppose.
[dated] I fancy you'll want something to drink after your long journey.
I fancy this is an error.
Fancy meeting you here!
Fancy that! I saw Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy kissing in the garden.
You won't get the gig just because you fancy yourself a musician.
Like
In the same way that; as
To dance like she does requires great discipline.
Fancy
To form a conception of; to portray in the mind.
Like
As if
It looks like we'll finish on time.
Fancy
To have a fancy for; to like; to be pleased with, particularly on account of external appearance or manners.
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.
Fancy
(transitive) To breed (animals) as a hobby.
Like
To please.
Fancy
The faculty by which the mind forms an image or a representation of anything perceived before; the power of combining and modifying such objects into new pictures or images; the power of readily and happily creating and recalling such objects for the purpose of amusement, wit, or embellishment; imagination.
In the soulAre many lesser faculties, that serveReason as chief. Among these fancy nextHer office holds.
Like
(obsolete) To derive pleasure of, by or with someone or something.
Fancy
An image or representation of anything formed in the mind; conception; thought; idea; conceit.
How now, my lord ! why do you keep alone,Of sorriest fancies your companoins making ?
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.
Fancy
An opinion or notion formed without much reflection; caprice; whim; impression.
I have always had a fancy that learning might be made a play and recreation to children.
Like
(obsolete) To have an appearance or expression; to look; to seem to be (in a specified condition).
Fancy
Inclination; liking, formed by caprice rather than reason; as, to strike one's fancy; hence, the object of inclination or liking.
To fit your fancies to your father's will.
Like
(archaic) To come near; to avoid with difficulty; to escape narrowly.
He liked to have been too late.
Fancy
That which pleases or entertains the taste or caprice without much use or value.
London pride is a pretty fancy for borders.
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.
Fancy
A sort of love song or light impromptu ballad.
At a great book sale in London, which had congregated all the fancy.
Like
(obsolete) To liken; to compare.
Fancy
To figure to one's self; to believe or imagine something without proof.
If our search has reached no farther than simile and metaphor, we rather fancy than know.
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.
Fancy
To love.
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.
Fancy
To form a conception of; to portray in the mind; to imagine.
He whom I fancy, but can ne'er express.
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.
Fancy
To have a fancy for; to like; to be pleased with, particularly on account of external appearance or manners.
Like
To be likely.
Fancy
To believe without sufficient evidence; to imagine (something which is unreal).
He fancied he was welcome, because those arounde him were his kinsmen.
Like
Something that a person likes (prefers).
Tell me your likes and dislikes.
Fancy
Adapted to please the fancy or taste, especially when of high quality or unusually appealing; ornamental; as, fancy goods; fancy clothes.
Like
(internet) An individual vote showing support for, approval of, or enjoyment of, something posted on the Internet.
Fancy
Extravagant; above real value.
This anxiety never degenerated into a monomania, like that which led his [Frederick the Great's] father to pay fancy prices for giants.
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.
Fancy
Something many people believe that is false;
They have the illusion that I am very wealthy
Like
(golf) The stroke that equalizes the number of strokes played by the opposing player or side.
To play the like
Fancy
Fancy was held by Coleridge to be more casual and superficial than imagination
Like
Similar.
My partner and I have like minds.
The two cats were as like as though they had come from the same litter.
Fancy
A predisposition to like something;
He had a fondness for whiskey
Like
Likely; probable.
Fancy
Imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind;
I can't see him on horseback!
I can see what will happen
I can see a risk in this strategy
Like
Inclined (to), prone (to).
He seems like to run from any semblance of hard work.
Fancy
Have a fancy or particular liking or desire for;
She fancied a necklace that she had seen in the jeweler's window
Like
Likely.
Fancy
Not plain; decorative or ornamented;
Fancy handwriting
Fancy clothes
Like
In a like or similar manner.
Like
(colloquial) As, the way.
Like
As if; as though.
It looks like you've finished the project.
It seemed like you didn't care.
Like
Similar to, reminiscent of
Like
Typical of
It would be just like Achilles to be sulking in his tent.
Like
Approximating
Popcorn costs something like $10 dollars at the movies.
Like
In the manner of, similarly to
He doesn't act like a president.
Like
Such as
It's for websites like Wikipedia.
Like
As if there would be
It looks like a hot summer in Europe.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Like
A liking; a preference; inclination; - usually in pl.; as, we all have likes and dislikes.
Like
The stroke which equalizes the number of strokes played by the opposing player or side; as, to play the like.
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.
Like
In a like or similar manner.
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.
Like
Likely; probably.
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.
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.
Like
To liken; to compare.
Like me to the peasant boys of France.
Like
To be pleased; to choose.
He may either go or stay, as he best likes.
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.
Like
Prefer or wish to do something;
Do you care to try this dish?
Would you like to come along to the movies?
Like
Find enjoyable or agreeable;
I like jogging
She likes to read Russian novels
Like
Be fond of;
I like my nephews
Like
Feel about or towards; consider, evaluate, or regard;
How did you like the President's speech last night?
Like
Want to have;
I'd like a beer now!
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
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
Like
Having the same or similar characteristics;
All politicians are alike
They looked utterly alike
Friends are generaly alike in background and taste
Like
Conforming in every respect;
Boxes with corresponding dimensions
The like period of the preceding year
Common Curiosities
What is the primary emotional implication of fancy compared to like?
Fancy implies a stronger, often aesthetic or luxurious desire, while like indicates general enjoyment or approval.
What kind of desires does fancy typically express?
Fancy often expresses desires based on aesthetics, luxury, or romance.
Which is more versatile in everyday language, fancy or like?
Like is more versatile and commonly used in everyday language for a broad range of preferences and similarities.
How does the usage of fancy as a noun differ from its verb form?
As a noun, fancy refers to a particular liking or desire, whereas as a verb, it means to imagine or desire romantically or aesthetically.
Can fancy and like be used interchangeably?
No, fancy often suggests a deeper or more aesthetic attraction compared to the more general and casual use of like.
Is fancy more formal than like?
Yes, fancy can carry a more formal tone, especially when referring to high-end desires or romantic interests.
Does like imply a less intense feeling than fancy?
Yes, like generally indicates milder affection or preference, lacking the depth or luxury connotation of fancy.
Can like suggest any level of imagination like fancy does?
No, like typically does not encompass the imaginative aspects that fancy can convey.
In what context might one use fancy instead of like?
One might use fancy instead of like when expressing a desire for something luxurious or aesthetically appealing, or when making a romantic proposal.
Is there a scenario where like would be inappropriate to use instead of fancy?
Yes, in formal or romantic contexts, saying "I fancy you" might be more appropriate than "I like you," which sounds less serious.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
