abominate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "abominate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an intense feeling of hatred or aversion towards something. For example: "I abominate the sight of bugs crawling around my house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Significantly, Mr Bush (like Elizabeth Dole, another rival) has refused to endorse harsh measures against abortion or to abominate all gun control, articles of faith for many Republican activists.All the same, if he wins the nomination and that still seems the best bet he will find that his brand of Republicanism has already begun to change the party to his advantage.

The Economist

In Mr Verity's translation, Achilles's outburst above becomes the prim "I abominate his gifts, and I value him no more than a splinter".

The Economist

Federico, do you remember… But then: And one morning all that was burning one morning the bonfires leapt out of the earth devouring human beings — The attackers, he writes, were Jackals that the jackals would despise, stones that the dry thistle would bite on and spit out, vipers that the vipers would abominate!

The New Yorker

Even before travelling to Mecca and Medina, he concludes, "I cannot help noticing it as extraordinary, that the Mahometan should abominate the christian on account of his faith, and the christian detest the Mussulman for his creed; when the koran of the former acknowledges the divinity of the christian Messias, and the bible of the latter commands us to love our enemies".

The New Yorker

Women leaving hotels following trysts with their extramarital lovers tell pollsters they abominate Mr. Clinton's behavior.

The New Yorker

Sacks relates how one Convers Francis, taking tea with a "family belonging to the straitest sect of Boston conservatism," found that his hosts "abhor & abominate R. W. Emerson as a sort of mad dog: & when I defended that pure and angelic spirit... they laughed at me with amazement".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

There were disagreements: in particular, over Turkey's dream of joining the European Union, which Mr Denktash abominated because the EU insisted on recognising only the Greek-Cypriot part of the island, which had joined in 2004.

The Economist

In interviews he was amiable, even sentimental; he laughed readily until, like a bear's, the gaze set and the broad claw swiped at something he abominated.

The Economist

He abominated his country's determined land-clearing.

The Economist

Nonetheless, independent India abominated the practice, and with good reason.

The Economist

At the end of the Roman era, mime actors were performing throughout the empire, but after the triumph of Christianity the theatre of the day was abominated by the Church Fathers as an art so debased as to have lost any relevance to the general good of society.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "abominate" to express a very strong feeling of dislike or hatred, often in formal or literary contexts. It's more intense than simply "dislike" or "hate".

Common error

Avoid using "abominate" in casual conversation; it can sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Opt for more common synonyms like "hate" or "dislike" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The word "abominate" primarily functions as a transitive verb. It expresses a strong feeling of dislike or hatred towards something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. Examples show it used to describe intense aversion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abominate" is a transitive verb used to express a strong feeling of dislike or hatred. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability, noting its presence in various reputable sources. While generally appropriate for formal and literary contexts, overuse in casual speech may sound pretentious. Alternatives like "detest", "loathe", and "hate" offer similar meanings with varying degrees of intensity and formality. The word's presence in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications suggests its utility in expressing profound aversion. Remember to consider the context and audience when choosing "abominate" to ensure the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detest

Replaces "abominate" with a more common synonym, indicating a strong dislike.

loathe

Similar to "abominate", but can sometimes imply a slightly less intense feeling of disgust.

hate

A more general term for strong dislike, less formal than "abominate".

despise

Indicates a feeling of contempt and disdain, similar in intensity to "abominate".

execrate

Implies a curse or strong denunciation, a more vehement form of hating.

find repugnant

Expresses strong dislike due to causing disgust.

cannot stand

A less formal way to express strong dislike or aversion.

have an aversion to

Indicates a strong feeling of dislike or disinclination.

regard with disgust

Focuses on the feeling of revulsion towards something.

take a dim view of

A more understated way of expressing disapproval or dislike.

FAQs

How do you use "abominate" in a sentence?

You can use "abominate" to express a strong feeling of dislike or hatred, such as, "I "abominate" the taste of cilantro." It is often used in formal or literary contexts.

What can I say instead of "abominate"?

You can use alternatives like "detest", "loathe", or "hate" depending on the context and intensity of the feeling you want to convey.

Which is correct, "abominate" or "detest"?

Both ""abominate"" and "detest" are correct, but "abominate" is a stronger and less commonly used word. "Detest" is a more frequent and versatile alternative.

What's the difference between "abominate" and "despise"?

"Abominate" implies a very strong feeling of aversion or hatred, while "despise" suggests contempt and disdain. "Despise" often indicates a feeling of looking down on something or someone.