unlike

Everyday

1. Different from; not the same as. tree →
2. Not typical of someone: it's unlike her to be late. tree →
3. (maths) Unlike: having different denominators or signs. tree →

In the lessons

In comparing in science, maths and English writing, unlike shows a difference: unlike mammals, birds lay eggs. In maths, unlike fractions have different denominators and need a common one before adding; unlike terms in algebra cannot be added together. Phrases: unlike ... , it's unlike someone to, unlike fractions.

Examples

• Unlike my brother, I love vegetables. tree →
• It's unlike Sam to forget his homework. tree →
• Unlike cats, dogs love to swim. tree →
• To add unlike fractions, find a common denominator. tree →
• 3x and 2y are unlike terms. tree →
• Unlike a square, a rectangle can have sides of different lengths. tree →
• A whole new world stretched out before him, quite unlike the one he had left. tree →

Note

Unlike is mostly a preposition, followed by a noun: unlike me, unlike frogs. Do not confuse with dislike (not like, a verb). In maths, unlike fractions such as 1/2 and 1/3 must be changed to the same denominator (3/6 + 2/6) before adding.

In Jewish tradition

Isaiah says the suffering servant's face was so marred that it hardly looked human. Proverbs has Agur saying he lacks a man's understanding.

Interpretation. Isaiah's servant is read by tradition as Israel suffering among the nations. Agur's humble words are read as modesty before God's greater wisdom.

Examples

• Surely I am brutish, unlike a man, and have not the understanding of a man; (Writings PRO.30.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• According as many were appalled at thee — so marred was his visage unlike that of a man, and his form unlike that of the sons of men — (Prophets ISA.52.14, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Unlike is mostly a preposition, followed by a noun: unlike me, unlike frogs. Do not confuse with dislike (not like, a verb). In maths, unlike fractions such as 1/2 and 1/3 must be changed to the same denominator (3/6 + 2/6) before adding.