loathe
/'louð/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To feel intense dislike, disgust, or hatred for someone or something; to detest or abhor.
Usage
The verb "loathe" expresses a very strong feeling of aversion. It is typically used with a direct object (a person, thing, or action) that is the source of this intense dislike. It is a stronger and more formal term than "dislike" or "hate."
Examples
- Verb:
- I absolutely loathe the smell of cigarette smoke.
- She loathes having to get up early on the weekends.
- He loathed his rival with a passion.
Advanced Usage
- "to loathe the very idea/thought of (something)": To find a concept so unpleasant that even thinking about it causes disgust.
- She loathes the very idea of eating insects.
- "to be loathed by (someone)": Passive construction indicating the subject is the object of someone else's intense dislike.
- The corrupt official was loathed by the entire community.
Variants and Related Words
- Loathing (noun): A feeling of intense disgust or hatred.
- He looked at the traitor with pure loathing.
- Loathsome (adjective): Causing hatred or disgust; repulsive.
- The crime was a loathsome act.
Synonyms
- Abhor: To regard with disgust and hatred (very similar in strength and formality to "loathe").
- Detest: To dislike intensely.
- Despise: To look down on with contempt or intense dislike.
- Execrate: To feel or express great loathing for (formal).
Antonyms
- Adore
- Love
- Cherish
- Relish
Phrasal Verbs / Common Collocations
("Loathe" itself does not commonly form phrasal verbs. It is typically used as a standalone verb.) - "Loathe to do something": This is a common confusion. The correct phrase is "loath" (an adjective meaning reluctant) to do something, not "loathe." - He was loath to admit his mistake. (Correct: adjective meaning reluctant) - He loathed to admit his mistake. (Incorrect use of the verb)
Verb
- find repugnant
- I loathe that man
- She abhors cats