Loathe — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb adjective /ˈlōt͟h/

Meaning & Definition of Loathe

Loathe (verb)

  1. to dislike greatly and often with disgust or intolerance, detest

Loathe (adjective)

  1. unwilling to do something contrary to one's ways of thinking, reluctant

Loathe (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to dislike strongly

    "I simply loathe tapioca pudding"

    similar: abhor, abominate, despise, detest, execrate, hate, have it in for
    related: deplore, deprecate, disapprove (of), discountenance, disdain, disfavor, scorn
    opposite: love
    near: desire, fancy, favor, like, prefer, enjoy, relish, admire, adore, approve (of), esteem, hallow, idolize, revere, venerate, worship, cherish, prize, treasure

Related Entry: Loath (adjective)

Loath is a different word from Loathe. The synonyms below are for loath, not for loathe.

  1. slow to begin or proceed with a course of action because of doubts or uncertainty

    "I was loath to accept his claim of having climbed Mount Everest"

    similar: cagey, disinclined, dubious, hesitant, indisposed, reluctant, reticent
    related: uneager, unenthusiastic, averse, unwilling, ambivalent, conflicted, doubtful, faltering, halting, indecisive, infirm, irresolute, questioning, skeptical, uncertain, undecided, unsure, vacillating, wobbly, fainthearted, shy, timid
    opposite: disposed, inclined
    near: eager, enthusiastic, glad, happy, keen, ready, willing, certain, decided, determined, resolute, sure, unquestioning

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Loathe

The most common words with a similar meaning to Loathe:

abhor, abominate, despise, detest, execrate, hate, have it in for

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Loathe

Words with the opposite meaning of Loathe:

love

Related Words for Loathe

deplore, deprecate, disapprove (of), discountenance, disdain, disfavor, scorn

Near Antonyms of Loathe

desire, fancy, favor, like, prefer, enjoy, relish, admire, adore, approve (of), esteem, hallow, idolize, revere, venerate, worship, cherish, prize, treasure

Word Forms of Loathe

Inflections: loathed, loathing

Derived words: loather (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Loathe

Middle English lothen, from Old English lāthian to dislike, be hateful, from lāth

First known use: 12th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Loathe

What does "Loathe" mean?

"Loathe" means to dislike greatly and often with disgust or intolerance, detest. As an a verb and an adjective, it is defined as: to dislike greatly and often with disgust or intolerance, detest.

What is another word for "Loathe"?

Other words for "Loathe" include abhor, abominate, despise, detest, execrate, hate and have it in for. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Loathe" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Loathe"?

There are 14 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Loathe". Common alternatives include abhor, abominate, despise, detest, execrate, hate and have it in for.

What is the opposite of "Loathe"?

Antonyms of "Loathe" include love. Near antonyms include desire, fancy, favor and like.

How do you use "Loathe" in a sentence?

Examples of "Loathe" in a sentence: "I simply loathe tapioca pudding".

Is "Loathe" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Loathe" can be used as a verb and an adjective, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Loathe"?

"Loathe" is pronounced /ˈlōt͟h/.

What is the origin of the word "Loathe"?

"Loathe" comes from Middle English lothen, from Old English lāthian to dislike, be hateful, from lāth. First known use: 12th century.