a detestation of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a detestation of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong dislike or hatred towards something or someone. Example: "Her detestation of injustice was evident in her passionate speeches advocating for equality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Several of those close to Francis have told me that though he has a detestation of abuse, he is also wary of false accusations being made against priests.

The Guardian - Opinion

First, intellectually; most of what he has done in politics is guided by a detestation of the vested interests he saw everywhere in the working-class Nottingham of his boyhood.

The Economist

To the end of his life, Burchfield repeatedly denounced a rave review from 1920 by the era's best critic, Henry McBride, who attributed the power of the young man's art to a "detestation" of the provincial ugliness of "the loathsome town of Salem, Ohio".

The New Yorker

Even though some eyebrows were raised when he won the Nobel prize for literature in 1997, Fo was a rare artist who combined a detestation of the insolence of office and the abuse of power with a profound love of humanity.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Perhaps partly because he gravely wounded a fellow officer in a duel in 1700 (an incident that inspired a lifelong detestation of dueling), partly because of sincere feelings of disgust at the "irregularity" of army life and his own dissipated existence, he published in 1701 a moralistic tract, "The Christian Hero," of which 10 editions were sold in his lifetime.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"They were united by a joint detestation of the council and media," says Gwynfai Jones, a local cleric.Meetings between locals and incomers were arranged and asylum-seekers told stories of the horrors they had escaped from.

The Economist

Food rationing induced a lifelong detestation of tinned milk and margarine.

The Guardian

At first they came from brotherly boroughs, connected by subterranean trains and a vehement detestation of one another.

The New York Times - Sports

Indeed, a conspicuous detestation of the opponent team is often required of all participants in between-team competition, as in within-team displays of bellicose solidarity.

Human Nature

But Wilkinson makes us understand how Koslov, driven by ambition into accepting a foreign commission from a Russian oligarch, transfers his own sense of guilt into an unassuageable detestation of the man he blames for his family's death.

The Guardian

He imagines a happy life with his new quadruped comrades, eating oats, conversing only on themes of virtue and reason, possessed by "an utter detestation of all falsehood or disguise".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a detestation of" to express a strong, often visceral, dislike or hatred. This phrase is more formal than "a dislike of" but less intense than "a hatred of".

Common error

Avoid using "a detestation of" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler terms like "dislike" or "aversion" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a detestation of" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a sentence or clause. It denotes a strong feeling of dislike or aversion, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a detestation of" is a noun phrase used to express a strong dislike or aversion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though its frequency is rare. Predominantly found in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific sources, this phrase carries a neutral to slightly formal register. While effective for conveying intense disapproval, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in casual contexts. The related phrases offer various shades of similar meaning, from "a loathing for" to "a strong dislike of", allowing for nuanced expression. Ludwig's analysis highlights its role in conveying strong negative sentiment in a variety of settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a loathing for

Replaces "detestation" with "loathing", suggesting a feeling of intense disgust.

a hatred of

Uses "hatred" to convey a strong feeling of animosity.

an aversion to

Employs "aversion", indicating a strong dislike and desire to avoid something.

a repugnance for

Substitutes "detestation" with "repugnance", highlighting a feeling of strong distaste or aversion.

an abhorrence of

Employs "abhorrence", signifying a feeling of revulsion and disgust.

a marked revulsion from

Uses "revulsion" to express a strong feeling of disgust or loathing.

a strong dislike of

Replaces "detestation" with a more general term, "strong dislike", reducing the intensity.

a profound contempt for

Uses "contempt" to express a feeling of disdain and disrespect.

a deep antipathy towards

Replaces "detestation" with "antipathy", denoting a strong feeling of dislike.

a great animosity toward

Employs "animosity" which refers to strong hostility or dislike.

FAQs

How can I use "a detestation of" in a sentence?

You can use "a detestation of" to express a strong feeling of dislike or hatred towards something. For example, "The politician had a detestation of corruption".

What can I say instead of "a detestation of"?

You can use alternatives like "a loathing for", "a hatred of", or "an aversion to" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "a detestation of" or "a hatred of"?

"A detestation of" is generally more formal and nuanced, suggesting a deep-seated aversion. "A hatred of" is more direct and implies a stronger emotional response. The choice depends on the context and desired intensity.

What's the difference between "a detestation of" and "a dislike of"?

"A dislike of" is a mild expression of not liking something. "A detestation of" is a much stronger term, indicating a deep and intense aversion or hatred.