Loathe Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈləʊθ/

Part of Speech

Verb (and noun, in certain contexts)

Definition

A loathe is to feel intense dislike, hatred, or disgust towards something, often accompanied by anger or aversion. It can also describe an aversion or repugnance felt by someone towards a particular thing or situation.

Examples

1. “I loathe the thought of spiders crawling on me.”

2. “She loathed the taste of Brussels sprouts and avoided eating them.”

Synonyms

1. Abhor

2. Detest

3. Despise

Antonyms

1. Admire

2. Like

3. Enjoy

Additional Information

Loathe is often used to convey a strong emotional reaction, whether it’s a general dislike or a more intense aversion. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including personal relationships, situations, and even abstract concepts. In some cases, loathe can be used as a noun, referring to a person’s strong dislike or hatred towards something.

The verb loathe typically implies a sense of intensity or vigor in one’s emotions, suggesting that the person feels a strong reaction towards the thing or situation in question. This distinguishes loathe from other verbs, which may imply a more neutral or mild reaction.

In cultural and historical contexts, loathe has been used to describe various reactions to different things, such as slavery, oppression, or injustice. It highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of human emotions and experiences.

The etymology of loathe is rooted in Old English, with the word derived from the words “hlou” (to detest) and “nīþ” (to hate). Throughout history, the term has evolved to encompass a broader range of emotions and reactions.

In terms of usage, loathe is often used in formal and informal writing, as well as in spoken language. It’s commonly found in personal anecdotes, social media posts, and literary works.

Culturally, loathe has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, poetry, and film. Notable examples include Albert Camus’s “The Plague” and Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas”.

Idiomatic expressions involving loathe include “scorn and loathe” and “loathe and despise”. These phrases highlight the strong emotional connotations of the word and its connection to other negative emotions.

Related words and phrases include “abhor”, “detest”, and “despise”, which all convey a sense of strong dislike or hatred. Collocations with loathe include “loathe to”, “loathe doing”, and “loathe the thought of”.

In terms of frequency of use, loathe is relatively common in modern language, particularly in informal contexts. However, it’s not as widely used as other verbs or adjectives, which can imply a range of emotions.

Common misspellings and variations of loathe include “loathe to”, “loathe with”, and “lotha”. These examples highlight the importance of careful pronunciation and spelling when using the word in different contexts.

Related Words

Etymology

Loathe originates from Old English, with connections to the words “hlou” (to detest) and “nīþ” (to hate). This etymology suggests a history of intense negative emotions and reactions, which is reflected in the modern usage of the word.

Usage Notes

Loathe is often used to convey strong emotions, typically in formal or informal writing, as well as spoken language. It’s a versatile word that can be applied to various contexts, including personal relationships, situations, and abstract concepts.

Cultural References

Notable appearances of “loathe” include Albert Camus’s “The Plague” and Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas”, which demonstrate the term’s connection to literature, poetry, and film.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Idiomatic expressions involving “loathe” include “scorn and loathe” and “loathe and despise”, which highlight the strong emotional connotations of the word.

Related Words or Phrases

Related words and phrases include “abhor”, “detest”, and “despise”, which all convey a sense of strong dislike or hatred.

Collocations

Common collocations with “loathe” include “loathe to”, “loathe doing”, and “loathe the thought of”, which demonstrate the versatility of the word.

Frequency of Use

Loathe is relatively common in modern language, particularly in informal contexts, but not as widely used as other verbs or adjectives that imply a range of emotions.

Common Misspellings