Definition

Adjective: - Intensely disliked; regarded with strong aversion or disgust. The word describes something or someone that is the object of very strong hatred or loathing.

Usage

The adjective "detested" is used to express an extreme degree of dislike. It is stronger than simple dislike or hatred. It often describes feelings toward abstract concepts (e.g., policies, ideas) or specific people/things that are universally or personally abhorred. - It typically follows a linking verb like "was," "is," or "became." - It can be used attributively before a noun (e.g., "the detested policy") or predicatively after a linking verb (e.g., "He was detested").

Examples

• The corrupt official was detested by the entire population.
• She lived in the detested city for years before finally moving away.
• His arrogant manner made him one of the most detested figures in the company.
• The new tax became the most detested law of the decade.

Advanced Usage

• "to be universally detested": to be hated by everyone or almost everyone.
  • The dictator's regime was universally detested.
• "much-detested" (hyphenated when used attributively for emphasis): intensely hated.
  • They finally repealed the much-detested regulation.

Variants and Related Words

• Detest (verb): to dislike intensely; to loathe.
  • I detest cruelty of any kind.
• Detestable (adjective): deserving intense dislike; abominable.
  • His detestable actions shocked the community.
• Detestation (noun): intense hatred.
  • She looked at the traitor with pure detestation.

Synonyms

• Loathed: felt intense dislike or disgust for.
• Abhorred: regarded with disgust and hatred.
• Despised: felt contempt or a deep repugnance for.
• Execrated: cursed and hated intensely.
• Abominated: loathed; detested utterly.

Antonyms

• Adored: loved and admired deeply.
• Cherished: protected and cared for lovingly; held dear.
• Beloved: dearly loved.
• Esteemed: held in high respect; admired.

Adjective

1. treated with contempt