Detest: meaning, definitions and examples

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detest

[dɪˈtɛst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

strong feeling

To detest means to dislike intensely or passionately. It is a strong feeling of aversion. When you detest something, you have a deep-seated hatred or disgust towards it.

Synonyms

abhor, despise, hate, loathe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
detest	Used to express strong dislike or intense aversion. It is slightly less intense than 'abhor' or 'loathe'. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts. I detest lying and dishonesty. She detests the taste of broccoli.
hate	A general term for strong aversion or hostility. It can be used in many situations, from everyday dislikes to intense personal grievances. I hate it when people are late. He hates the cold weather.
abhor	Indicates a deep, often moral, repulsion. It is a very strong word, used in formal or literary contexts. He abhors any form of cruelty to animals. She abhors hypocrisy in all its forms.
despise	Implies a strong feeling of contempt or disrespect, often for someone perceived as inferior. It has a slightly negative connotation and is more personal than 'detest'. They despise him for his arrogance. I despise corrupt politicians.
loathe	Expresses intense disgust or revulsion. It is very strong and has a somewhat negative connotation, often indicating an emotional reaction. She loathes the smell of cigarettes. He loathes doing paperwork.

Examples of usage

I detest the taste of mushrooms.
She detests cruelty towards animals.
They detest each other's company.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

strongly disapprove

To detest can also mean to strongly disapprove of something. It implies a strong feeling of condemnation or disapproval.

Synonyms

abhor, disapprove, dislike.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
detest	Used to express a strong dislike or hatred towards something or someone. I detest lying. She detests being late.
abhor	Used in formal contexts to indicate an intense hatred or loathing, often with a moral implication. They abhor violence. He abhors corrupt practices.
dislike	Used to express a general feeling of not liking something or someone, usually less intense than 'detest' or 'abhor'. I dislike waking up early. They dislike loud music.
disapprove	Used to show that one does not agree with or accept something, often implying judgment. His parents disapprove of his lifestyle. She disapproves of cheating.

Examples of usage

She detests dishonesty in any form.
He detests injustice and inequality.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'detest' comes from the Latin 'detestari,' which means to declare against or to curse.
In Middle English, the term evolved, indicating a deep aversion towards something unpleasant.

Psychology

People often detest things that remind them of negative past experiences or emotions.
Strong feelings of dislike can trigger physiological responses, like increased heart rate and stress, reflecting the body’s reaction to unpleasant stimuli.

Pop Culture

In literature and film, characters often express their detest for villains, highlighting moral conflict.
Popular songs frequently feature themes of detesting unfaithful lovers, exemplifying the emotional intensity of rejection.

Usage in Literature

Famous literary works often utilize the term to depict characters' inner struggles, showcasing an intense conflict.
The term appears in Shakespeare’s plays, where characters often express strong aversions, emphasizing human emotion.

Cultural Insights

Different cultures showcase varying levels of diplomatic language around dislike; some prefer to say they 'don't prefer' instead of 'detest.'
In some cultures, openly expressing detest can be seen as rude or confrontational rather than an acceptable critique.

Translations

Translations of the word "detest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 detestar

🇮🇳 घृणा करना

🇩🇪 verabscheuen

🇮🇩 membenci

🇺🇦 ненавидіти

🇵🇱 nienawidzić

🇯🇵 嫌う (きらう)

🇫🇷 détester

🇪🇸 detestar

🇹🇷 nefret etmek

🇰🇷 혐오하다

🇸🇦 يكره

🇨🇿 nenávidět

🇸🇰 nenávidieť

🇨🇳 厌恶 (yànwù)

🇸🇮 sovražiti

🇮🇸 hata

🇰🇿 жек көру

🇬🇪 სიძულვილი

🇦🇿 nifrət etmək

🇲🇽 detestar

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,183, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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22180 quarterback
22181 telescopic
22182 fitful
22183 detest
22184 dole
22185 morpheme
22186 retrofit
...