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Loathe Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿคข
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loathe

[loสŠรฐ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

strongly dislike

To feel intense or extreme disgust or hatred towards someone or something. It is a strong negative emotion that goes beyond simple dislike.

Synonyms

abhor, despise, detest, hate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
loathe

Used to express intense, deep-seated aversion or repugnance towards someone or something. Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • She loathes the smell of cigarette smoke.
  • He loathes having to wake up early on weekends.
hate

A very versatile word that fits in both casual and serious contexts to express strong dislike or aversion. Can be used in everyday conversations as well as more formal situations. Has a broadly negative tone.

  • I hate doing laundry.
  • She hates the way he talks to her.
abhor

Used mainly in formal contexts to express a strong feeling of disgust or hatred, often towards something morally wrong or unethical.

  • Many people abhor animal cruelty.
  • She abhors violence in any form.
detest

Works well in both formal and informal settings to express strong dislike or hatred, often with an emotional tone.

  • She detests going to the dentist.
  • He detests broccoli more than any other vegetable.
despise

Used to indicate great disdain or contempt for someone or something, often implying a sense of superiority. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

  • He despises liars.
  • She despises people who are always late.

Examples of usage

  • I loathe having to wake up early in the morning.
  • She loathes the idea of working with him again.
  • He loathes the taste of olives.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • The feeling of loathing can stem from personal experiences, such as a traumatic event associated with the object of dislike.
  • Social learning plays a role; we often learn to loathe certain things based on cultural influences and the sentiments of those around us.
  • Loathing can be a defense mechanism, helping individuals protect themselves from perceived threats or negativity.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often express loathing to highlight their moral or ideological conflicts, emphasizing differences between good and evil.
  • Authors use the emotion of loathing to deepen character development, showing how strong dislike influences decisions and actions.
  • Famous literary works, like those from Shakespeare, often feature characters who loathe their circumstances or others, revealing deeper themes of conflict.

Pop Culture

  • In modern films and television, protagonists often loathe their adversaries, which drives the plot and sparks conflict.
  • Songs frequently evoke feelings of loathing, using it as a powerful theme to express emotions related to love and betrayal.
  • Memes often capture the sentiment of loathing comically, portraying relatable scenarios of dislike towards trends, food, or situations.

Science

  • Studies suggest that loathing can activate specific regions in the brain, simulating physical disgust, similar to the reaction to bad smells.
  • The evolutionary perspective suggests that loathing helps protect from harmful substances, reinforcing an instinct to avoid danger.
  • Research shows that loathing can even be contagious; witnessing someone else's disgust can trigger similar feelings in others.

Origin of 'loathe'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'loathe' comes from the Old English 'loathian', meaning to hate or feel unwilling.
  • In Middle English, the spelling transitioned slowly, evolving into its current form by the 15th century.
  • Related words like 'loath' (unwilling) come from the same root and show how closely linked these feelings of dislike and unwillingness are.

The word 'loathe' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'lฤthian', which means 'to hate'. Over time, the meaning of 'loathe' has evolved to represent a strong feeling of disgust or aversion towards something or someone.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,366, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.