detest

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "detest" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to express strong dislike of something. For example, "I detest going to the dentist".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

General Writing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The delegates detest the carpet; it's as though it scalds their feet.

The Guardian - Film

As many of us are heading back to work after the Christmas break, the reality of dealing with co-workers you dislike and tasks you detest can seem like an unnecessarily cruel jolt of reality.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Morsi supporters detest the field marshal for presiding over a campaign of oppression that has seen over a thousand Morsi supporters killed, and thousands more arrested.

The Guardian

But for all the celebrations, some people still detest our biggest carnivorous creature.

The Guardian

Romney's supporters argued that the 'southern problem' will go away in November and that the Republican base will turn out en masse because they detest Obama so much, and that is probably true of Mississippi and Alabama.

The Guardian

Let me make it really plain: I detest extremism of any persuasion.

The Guardian - Opinion

For their part, Morsi supporters detest the field marshal for presiding over a campaign of oppression that has seen more than 1,000 Morsi supporters killed, and thousands arrested.

The Guardian

It runs something like this: "I marched against the war on Iraq, I detest US domination, but in this case I have no problem with American airstrikes".

The Guardian - Opinion

The other is giving succour to the restless Tory right who detest the EU and want to see Britain secede from it.

The Guardian - Opinion

I detest Islamic extremism.

The Guardian - Opinion

He claimed to detest her, of course, being red through and through.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "detest" to express a strong, often visceral, dislike for something. It's more intense than simply disliking something and implies a deep-seated aversion.

Common error

Avoid using "detest" when a milder term like "dislike" or "disapprove of" would be more appropriate. Overusing strong words can dilute their impact.

Linguistic Context

The verb "detest" functions primarily to express a strong aversion or hatred towards something. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in conveying intense dislike, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of the word's strong negative connotation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Opinion

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "detest" is a verb used to express a very strong dislike or aversion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and Ludwig's examples show it frequently appears in News & Media and Opinion contexts. To avoid overuse, consider synonyms like "loathe" or "abhor" when appropriate. This word is most effective when you want to emphasize a deeply negative feeling. Its prevalence in authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The Economist underscores its acceptance in formal and professional writing, given a proper context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

loathe

Synonym with a slightly stronger emotional charge.

abhor

Implies a feeling of repugnance and disgust.

despise

Suggests a feeling of contempt and disdain.

hate intensely

More explicit and emphasizes the degree of hatred.

cannot stand

More colloquial and indicates a strong dislike.

have an aversion to

More formal and indicates a strong dislike or disinclination.

find repugnant

Highlights the feeling of disgust and aversion.

take a strong dislike to

Emphasizes the development of a strong negative feeling.

be repulsed by

Focuses on the feeling of being repelled by something.

shrink from

Suggests avoiding something due to dislike or fear.

FAQs

How can I use "detest" in a sentence?

You can use "detest" to express strong dislike or aversion towards something. For example, "I "detest waking up early"".

What's the difference between "detest" and "dislike"?

"Detest" implies a much stronger feeling of aversion than "dislike". While you might dislike certain foods, you would likely reserve "detest" for things you find truly offensive or repulsive.

What are some synonyms for "detest"?

Some synonyms for "detest" include "loathe", "abhor", and "despise". Each carries a similar connotation of strong dislike.

Is "detest" too strong of a word to use in formal writing?

While "detest" can be used in formal writing, it's important to consider the context and audience. In some cases, a more neutral term like "strongly disapprove of" might be more appropriate. However, if you want to emphasize strong aversion, "detest" is acceptable.