Pronunciation: [ʌnlˈa͡ɪk] (IPA) 
The word "unlike" is spelled with the prefix "un-" meaning "not" and the word "like," which means similar or comparable. It is pronounced /ʌnˈlaɪk/ with the stressed syllable being the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound /ʌ/ as in "butter" and the second syllable has the diphthong /aɪ/ as in "tide." The final consonant sound is /k/ as in "cook." Thus, the phonetic transcription of "unlike" is /ʌnˈlaɪk/.
Unlike is an adverb that is used to highlight the difference between two or more things or concepts. It signifies a contrast or dissimilarity between two subjects or ideas. It is commonly used to emphasize that one thing is different from another.
In reference to the negative prefix 'un-', unlike suggests the absence or opposite of similarity or likeness between objects, persons, or concepts. It emphasizes the divergence, dissimilitude, or disparity between two entities.
The term "unlike" is often employed to compare and contrast characteristics, features, or qualities of objects, individuals, or ideas. It denotes that two or more subjects differ in various aspects. Unlike showcases the non-resemblance or incongruity between the entities being compared.
For example, "Unlike her brother, Jenny enjoys playing sports," implies that Jenny and her brother have differing interests in physical activities. This usage conveys the dissimilarity or contrast between the two siblings.
Similarly, when stating, "Unlike traditional methods, this new technology provides a more efficient solution," the adverb unlike accentuates the distinction between the old conventional methods and the new technology, highlighting the advantages of the latter.
In summary, unlike is an adverb that signifies a lack of similarity or the presence of dissimilarity between two or more subjects, emphasizing the contrasting characteristics or features of those entities.
Having no resemblance; dissimilar.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "unlike" can be traced back to Old English, where it was formed through the combination of two elements: "un-" and "lic".
The prefix "un-" in Old English meant "not" or "lack of", which is still its primary meaning today. It is used to indicate the reversal or negation of a word's meaning.
The second element, "lic", was derived from the Old English word "gelic", meaning "similar". This element is related to the modern English word "like", which refers to something similar or comparable to another thing.
When these two elements were combined, the resulting word "unlike" meant "not similar" or "not comparable". Over time, "unlike" came to be used to express contrast or difference between two things or ideas.
