The difference between Fancy and Like

When used as nouns, fancy means the imagination, whereas like means something that a person likes (prefers).

When used as adverbs, fancy means in a fancy manner, whereas like means for example, such as: to introduce an example or list of examples.

When used as verbs, fancy means to appreciate without jealousy or greed, whereas like means to please.

When used as adjectives, fancy means decorative, whereas like means similar.


Like is also interjection with the meaning: used to place emphasis upon a statement.

Like is also conjunction with the meaning: as, the way.

Like is also preposition with the meaning: similar to, reminiscent of.

check bellow for the other definitions of Fancy and Like

  1. Fancy as a noun:

    The imagination.

  2. Fancy as a noun:

    An image or representation of anything formed in the mind; conception; thought; idea.

  3. Fancy as a noun:

    An opinion or notion formed without much reflection; an impression.

  4. Fancy as a noun:

    A whim.

    Examples:

    "I had a fancy to learn to play the flute."

  5. Fancy as a noun:

    Love or amorous attachment.

    Examples:

    "He took a fancy to her."

  6. Fancy as a noun:

    The object of inclination or liking.

  7. Fancy as a noun:

    Any sport or hobby pursued by a group.

    Examples:

    "Trainspotting is the fancy of a special lot."

    "the cat fancy"

  8. Fancy as a noun:

    The enthusiasts of such a pursuit.

    Examples:

    "He fell out of favor with the boxing fancy after the incident."

  9. Fancy as a noun:

    A diamond with a distinctive colour.

  10. Fancy as a noun:

    That which pleases or entertains the taste or caprice without much use or value.

  11. Fancy as a noun (obsolete):

    A sort of love song or light impromptu ballad.

  12. Fancy as a noun:

    In the game of jacks, a style of play involving additional actions (contrasted with plainsies).

  1. Fancy as an adjective:

    Decorative.

    Examples:

    "This is a fancy shawl."

  2. Fancy as an adjective:

    Of a superior grade.

    Examples:

    "This box contains bottles of the fancy grade of jelly."

  3. Fancy as an adjective:

    Executed with skill.

    Examples:

    "He initiated the game winning play with a fancy, deked saucer pass to the winger."

  4. Fancy as an adjective (colloquial):

    Unnecessarily complicated.

    Examples:

    "I'm not keen on him and his fancy ideas."

  5. Fancy as an adjective (obsolete):

    Extravagant; above real value.

  1. Fancy as an adverb (nonstandard):

    In a fancy manner; fancily.

  1. Fancy as a verb (formal):

    To appreciate without jealousy or greed.

    Examples:

    "I fancy your new car, but I like my old one just fine."

  2. Fancy as a verb (British):

    would like

    Examples:

    "I fancy a [[burger]] tonight for [[dinner]]"

    "Do you fancy going to town this [[weekend]]?"

  3. Fancy as a verb (British, informal):

    To be sexually attracted to.

    Examples:

    "I fancy that girl over there."

  4. Fancy as a verb (dated):

    To imagine, suppose.

    Examples:

    "I fancy you'll want something to drink after your long journey."

    "Fancy meeting you here!"

    "Fancy that! I saw Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy kissing in the garden."

  5. Fancy as a verb:

    To form a conception of; to portray in the mind; to imagine.

  6. Fancy as a verb:

    To have a fancy for; to like; to be pleased with, particularly on account of external appearance or manners.

  1. Like as a verb (transitive, archaic):

    To please.

  2. Like as a verb:

    To enjoy, be pleased by; favor; be in favor of.

    Examples:

    "I like hamburgers"

    "I like skiing in winter"

    "I like the Seattle Mariners this season"

  3. Like as a verb (obsolete):

    To derive pleasure of, by or with someone or something.

  4. Like as a verb:

    To prefer and maintain (an action) as a regular habit or activity.

    Examples:

    "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"

  5. Like as a verb (obsolete):

    To have an appearance or expression; to look; to seem to be (in a specified condition).

  6. Like as a verb (archaic):

    To come near; to avoid with difficulty; to escape narrowly.

    Examples:

    "He liked to have been too late."

  7. Like as a verb:

    To find attractive; to prefer the company of; to have mild romantic feelings for.

    Examples:

    "I really like Sandra but don't know how to tell her."

  8. Like as a verb (obsolete):

    To liken; to compare.

  9. Like as a verb (Internet, transitive):

    To show support for, or approval of, something posted on the Internet by marking it with a vote.

    Examples:

    "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."

  1. Like as a noun (usually plural):

    Something that a person likes (prefers).

    Examples:

    "Tell me your likes and dislikes."

  2. Like as a noun (internet):

    An individual vote showing support for, or approval of, something posted on the Internet.

  1. Like as an adjective:

    Similar.

    Examples:

    "My partner and I have like minds."

  2. Like as an adjective (obsolete):

    Likely; probable.

  1. Like as an adverb (informal):

    For example, such as: to introduce an example or list of examples.

    Examples:

    "There are lots of birds, like ducks and gulls, in this park."

  2. Like as an adverb (archaic, colloquial):

    Likely.

  3. Like as an adverb (obsolete):

    In a like or similar manner.

  1. Like as a noun:

    (sometimes as the likes of) Someone similar to a given person, or something similar to a given object; a comparative; a type; a sort.

    Examples:

    "There were bowls full of sweets, chocolates and the like."

    "It was something the likes of which I had never seen before."

  2. Like as a noun (golf):

    The stroke that equalizes the number of strokes played by the opposing player or side.

    Examples:

    "to play the like'"

  1. Like as a preposition:

    Similar to, reminiscent of.

    Examples:

    "These hamburgers taste like leather."