Loathe vs. Detest — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 24, 2024
Loathe and detest both express intense dislike, but loathing often carries a sense of disgust and personal aversion, while detesting is typically more about intense disapproval.
Difference Between Loathe and Detest
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Loathe is used to describe a deep-seated disgust and aversion towards something, often involving a physical or emotional reaction. Whereas detest implies a strong dislike or hatred, often rooted in moral or personal disapproval.
Loathe often suggests a personal, visceral response to something highly undesirable, such as loathing a food or a type of behavior. On the other hand, detest might be used in contexts involving moral judgment, like detesting an action or ideology.
Loathe can be more emotional, indicating a reaction that is hard to control or reason with. While detest might carry a more rational undertone, suggesting a deliberate judgment or decision against something.
Loathe may imply an avoidance of direct contact or engagement with the object of aversion. Whereas detest could be more about outspoken opposition or active disdain.
Loathe is often used in more personal and intimate contexts, underscoring a deep personal dislike. In contrast, detest can be used in broader contexts, such as a public expression of disapproval.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Emotion Involved
Often involves disgust and personal aversion
Involves strong disapproval or moral judgment
Context of Usage
More personal and intimate
Broader, often in public or formal discourse
Intensity
Very intense, hard to control
Intense but can be reasoned or articulated
Physical Response
May involve a physical reaction of disgust
Less about physical reaction, more about opposition
Typical Associations
Loathed foods, habits, situations
Detested policies, ideologies, behaviors
Compare with Definitions
Loathe
To feel intense dislike or disgust for something.
She loathes the cold weather.
Detest
To feel antipathy or loathing for.
I detest the movie for its crude humor.
Loathe
To find something repulsive or abhorrent.
He loathes having to wake up early.
Detest
To dislike intensely; to abhor.
He detests any form of injustice.
Loathe
To reject vehemently.
I loathe the idea of cheating in exams.
Detest
To express hatred or disapproval.
He detests smoking in all forms.
Loathe
To feel repulsion.
They loathe the thought of going back to school.
Detest
To be in strong opposition.
They detest the new regulations at work.
Loathe
To be reluctant to do something because of aversion.
She loathes discussing her finances.
Detest
To reject strongly based on principle or feeling.
She detests lying more than anything.
Loathe
To dislike (someone or something) greatly; abhor.
Detest
To dislike intensely; abhor.
Loathe
(transitive) To detest, hate, or revile (someone or something).
I loathe scrubbing toilets.
I absolutely loathe this place.
Detest
(transitive) To dislike (someone or something) intensely; to loathe.
I detest snakes.
Loathe
To feel extreme disgust at, or aversion for.
Loathing the honeyed cakes, I Ionged for bread.
Detest
To witness against; to denounce; to condemn.
Loathe
To dislike greatly; to abhor; to hate; to detest.
The secret which I loathe.
She loathes the vital sir.
Detest
To witness against; to denounce; to condemn.
The heresy of Nestorius . . . was detested in the Eastern churches.
God hath detested them with his own mouth.
Loathe
To feel disgust or nausea.
Detest
To hate intensely; to abhor; to abominate; to loathe; as, we detest what is contemptible or evil.
Who dares think one thing, and another tell,My heart detests him as the gates of hell.
Loathe
Find repugnant;
I loathe that man
She abhors cats
Detest
Dislike intensely; feel antipathy or aversion towards;
I hate Mexican food
She detests politicians
Common Curiosities
Are there any synonyms for "detest" that convey a similar level of intensity?
Yes, words like "abhor," "despise," and "hate" are synonyms that convey a similar level of intensity.
Can "detest" apply to people as well as actions or things?
Yes, "detest" can apply to people, actions, or things that one finds morally reprehensible or extremely disagreeable.
Is it possible to loathe something without having personal experience with it?
Yes, one can loathe something based on knowledge, beliefs, or the experiences of others without direct personal experience.
What type of verb is "loathe"?
"Loathe" is a transitive verb, which means it requires a direct object to complete its meaning.
Is "loathe" a common word in everyday language?
"Loathe" is somewhat formal and less common in casual everyday language compared to simpler words like "hate" or "dislike."
Are there historical examples where "detest" has been used significantly?
Yes, "detest" has been used historically in literature and speeches, particularly in contexts involving strong moral convictions.
Does the intensity of "loathe" vary by cultural context?
Yes, the perception and intensity of "loathe" can vary by cultural context, as different cultures express and interpret emotions differently.
What is the opposite of "detest"?
The opposite of "detest" would be "adore" or "love," implying strong positive feelings toward something or someone.
Does "detest" always involve a moral judgment?
Typically, "detest" involves a moral or ethical judgment, but it can also simply reflect a very strong personal dislike.
Is "detest" used more in written or spoken English?
"Detest" is commonly used in both, but it may appear more often in written English, especially in formal texts.
What is a common reaction someone might have when they loathe something?
Common reactions can include avoidance, expressions of disgust, or verbal denunciations.
Can "loathe" be considered stronger than "hate"?
In some contexts, "loathe" can be considered stronger than "hate" because it often conveys a deeper level of personal disgust.
Are there any idioms or phrases that commonly include "detest"?
While specific idioms with "detest" are not very common, phrases like "I would detest to see that happen" are used to emphasize strong aversion.
Can "loathe" be used playfully or humorously?
It's less common, but "loathe" can be used in a hyperbolic or humorous way to exaggerate one's dislike for something relatively trivial.
How does the use of "loathe" impact the tone of a conversation?
Using "loathe" can make the tone of a conversation more serious or intense, as it conveys a strong emotional response.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Monopolise vs. Monopolize
Next Comparison
Path vs. RoadAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
