Definition of unlike

The word "unlike" has its roots in Old English. It came from the prefix "un-" meaning "not" or "opposite of", and "like" which is from the Proto-Germanic word "*lika-", meaning "similar" or "like". In Old English, the word "unlike" was recorded as "unliþe" or "unlīc", which meant "not alike" or "dissimilar". It was used to indicate a lack of similarity or distinction between two things. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word evolved to its modern form, "unlike", which is commonly used today to denote a lack of similarity or opposition between two things. For example, "He's unlike his brother" means he is not similar to his brother. The word "unlike" is still used in the same way today, with its roots firmly planted in Old English.