Detest vs. Loathe

Attribute	Detest	Loathe
Intensity	Strong	Stronger
Origin	Middle English	Middle English
Synonyms	Abhor, Hate	Abhor, Despise
Usage	Formal	Formal

Definition

Detest and loathe are both strong verbs that express a deep dislike or hatred towards something or someone. While they are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences in their meanings.

Intensity

Detest is generally considered to be a milder term compared to loathe. When you detest something, you have a strong dislike for it, but it may not reach the level of intense hatred that loathe conveys. Loathe, on the other hand, implies a more intense and visceral feeling of disgust or aversion.

Usage

Detest is more commonly used in everyday language and is often employed to express a strong dislike for something without necessarily implying a deep-seated hatred. For example, you might say "I detest broccoli" to convey your distaste for the vegetable. Loathe, on the other hand, is reserved for situations where the feeling of hatred is particularly strong. You might say "I loathe the sound of nails on a chalkboard" to express a more intense level of aversion.

Origin

The word "detest" comes from the Latin word "detestari," which means to curse or denounce. This origin reflects the idea of expressing strong disapproval or dislike towards something. On the other hand, the word "loathe" has its roots in Old English and is related to the word "loathe," which means to feel disgust or aversion towards something.

Emotional Response

When you detest something, you may feel a sense of annoyance or irritation towards it, but it may not necessarily evoke a strong emotional response. In contrast, when you loathe something, you are likely to experience a more intense emotional reaction, such as anger, disgust, or revulsion.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the differences between detest and loathe:

• I detest waiting in long lines at the grocery store.
• I loathe the way he treats his employees with disrespect.
• She detests the taste of cilantro in her food.
• He loathes the sight of spiders crawling on the wall.

Conclusion

While detest and loathe are both strong verbs that express a deep dislike or hatred towards something, they differ in terms of intensity, usage, origin, emotional response, and examples. Understanding the nuances of these two words can help you choose the right one to convey your feelings accurately in different contexts.