v. & n.
v.tr. 1 a find agreeable or enjoyable or satisfactory (like reading; like the sea; like to dance). b be fond of (a person). 2 a choose to have; prefer (like my coffee black; do not like such things discussed). b wish for or be inclined to (would like a cup of tea; should like to come). 3 (usu. in interrog.; prec. by how) feel about; regard (how would you like it if it happened to you?).
n. (in pl.) the things one likes or prefers. I like that! iron. as an exclamation expressing affront. like it or not colloq. whether it is acceptable or not.
[ OE lician f. Gmc ]