abhor

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "abhor" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to mean to detest or to strongly dislike something. An example sentence is: "She abhorred the thought of attending her ex-boyfriend's wedding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sure, I abhor everything Ukip stand for: they're a millionaire-funded party advocating privatisation and tax cuts for a thriving wealthy elite, encouraging struggling Britons to direct their fire at immigrants rather than financiers, poverty-paying employers or tax avoiders.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nature is supposed to abhor a vacuum, but what is striking is that in this instance nothing happened.

The Guardian

Yet it is possible to both abhor Charlie Hebdo's cartoons, and at the same time recognise that risking being murdered for them might be worthy of recognition by a freedom of expression organisation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Least likely to: Abhor the youth in Asia.

The Guardian - Music

I like talking so I'm usually fine with doing interviews, but the part of my job I abhor is photo shoots.

The Guardian

I abhor what has happened to Britain in the past few years: how more and more wealth is being deposited in the hands of fewer and fewer people.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

ALBA has also signed up Syria and Iran as observers.Other countries in the region either abhor ALBA, or tolerate it as an irrelevance.

The Economist

Most Republicans abhor the idea of new taxes of any sort, so to sweeten the deal Mr Obama suggested lowering the corporate-tax rate on domestic earnings to 28%.

The Economist

Secondly, while I abhor statutory controls, there's one area where Parliament can help the press.

The Economist

Unions abhor them while the school boards that run most public schools fear losing power and funding.

The Economist

In January he was shown on state television apologising (an act that Chinese leaders usually abhor) to victims of snow-storms that paralysed large areas of the south.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. "Abhor" is a strong word, so ensure it fits the tone and situation. Overusing it can diminish its effect.

Common error

Avoid using "abhor" for mild dislikes or preferences. It's a powerful word best reserved for situations where you feel genuine disgust or revulsion. For simple dislikes, words like "dislike" or "don't like" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "abhor" is as a transitive verb. It requires an object, indicating what is being detested. Ludwig AI confirms that "abhor" is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abhor" is a transitive verb used to express a strong feeling of dislike or disgust. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. While it's a powerful word, it should be used judiciously to maintain its impact. Remember to reserve "abhor" for genuine feelings of revulsion and avoid overusing it in situations where a milder term would suffice. Ludwig's examples highlight its application in expressing strong negative sentiments across various topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detest

Similar to "abhor", but slightly less intense. Both denote a strong dislike, but "detest" might imply a more personal or emotional aversion.

loathe

"Loathe" is very close in meaning and intensity to "abhor", suggesting a profound feeling of disgust and aversion.

despise

Implies a feeling of contempt and disdain, often towards something considered inferior or unworthy.

execrate

Suggests a more vehement and often public expression of hatred or condemnation.

abominate

Similar in intensity to "abhor", but often used in a moral or religious context, suggesting something is deeply offensive or sinful.

hate intensely

A more explicit and less formal way to express a strong feeling of dislike.

have a strong aversion to

A more formal and descriptive way of expressing dislike, emphasizing the avoidance of something.

find repugnant

Emphasizes the feeling of disgust or revulsion caused by something.

cannot stand

A common, less formal way to express a strong dislike or intolerance.

shrink from

Indicates a reluctance or unwillingness to face something, often due to fear or disgust.

FAQs

How do you use "abhor" in a sentence?

You can use "abhor" to express a strong feeling of dislike or disgust towards something. For example, "I "abhor" the thought of attending that meeting."

What words are similar to "abhor"?

Synonyms for "abhor" include "detest", "loathe", "despise", and "execrate". Each carries a similar sense of strong dislike but with slightly different connotations.

Is it correct to say "I abhor you"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but it's a very strong statement. Saying "I "abhor you"" expresses intense dislike or even hatred towards someone.

What is the difference between "abhor" and "hate"?

"Abhor" is a stronger and more formal term than "hate". While "hate" can be used for general dislikes, "abhor" implies a deep feeling of disgust or revulsion. It's a more intense and less frequently used word.