intense loathing

USAGE SUMMARY

"intense loathing" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a strong feeling of hatred or disgust towards someone or something. Example: "She felt an intense loathing for the injustice she witnessed." Alternative expressions include "deep hatred" and "profound aversion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Nobody seems willing to be reminded, for example, of the intense loathing many Dutchbat soldiers had developed for the refugees they were supposed to protect - nor of the fact that troops manning a number of Dutchbat observation posts on the edges of the enclave surrendered without the slightest resistance.

BBC

All have an intense loathing of other races.

The Guardian - Books

His support is bolstered by what some commentators see as the American right's unusually intense loathing for the incumbent president.

Independent

I've long had an intense loathing of O'Keeffe, and her throbbing, overblown, wannabe-orgasmic, wannabe-Modernist canvases.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some commentators now believe Bush's new status as hate figure surpasses even the intense loathing by the Left of Richard Nixon.

The Guardian

Few looked great in bikinis or Speedos, but the intense loathing was fuel enough to make "Survivor: Lloyd Ward" a dandy cliffhanger.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

I have written pages of intense, loathing-filled, most likely unforgivable statements.

Huffington Post

I won't develop an intense personal loathing of Paul Pierce.

The New Yorker

In both you find repetition, discontinuity, direct relation of man to the cosmos, passages of intense sexual loathing.

The Guardian

They say 19 months of Palestinian terrorism and Israeli reprisals, together with the intense personal loathing between Mr. Sharon and Mr. Arafat, make that all but impossible.

The New York Times

One Tory spokesman claimed reports of a new alliance of pro-spending Keynesians between John Prescott, the deputy prime minister, and Gordon Brown, the chancellor, as evidence of the return of ideology to what had so far just been "intense personal loathing" between Mr Brown and Mr Blair.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "intense loathing", ensure the context clearly establishes the object or target of this feeling to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify the person, group, or concept that is being intensely loathed.

Common error

Avoid using "intense loathing" in situations where a milder expression of dislike would suffice. Overusing such strong language can diminish its impact and make your writing appear melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense loathing" functions as a noun phrase that describes a strong feeling of hatred or disgust. It typically serves as the object or complement of a verb, indicating the target of this intense emotion. As validated by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intense loathing" is a valid and grammatically correct phrase used to express a strong feeling of hatred or disgust. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedia, and wiki contexts, serving to emphasize deep-seated negativity. While not overly common, using it effectively involves ensuring the context clearly defines the target of this loathing and avoiding overuse in contexts that don't warrant such strong language. Consider alternative expressions like "deep hatred" or "profound aversion" depending on the context. By understanding these nuances, writers can employ "intense loathing" with precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep hatred

Emphasizes the depth and severity of the hatred felt.

profound aversion

Highlights a strong feeling of dislike and avoidance.

extreme detestation

Conveys a sense of utter disgust and abhorrence.

fierce antipathy

Focuses on the aggressive and hostile nature of the dislike.

burning resentment

Emphasizes the feeling of bitterness and indignation.

absolute abhorrence

Highlights a feeling of complete revulsion.

utter contempt

Focuses on a feeling of superiority and disdain.

strong animosity

Highlights the presence of active hostility and ill will.

consuming revulsion

Emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of the feeling.

implacable hatred

Conveys the unappeasable and unrelenting nature of the hatred.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "intense loathing" in a sentence?

To effectively use "intense loathing", clearly specify the object or target of this feeling to avoid ambiguity. For example, "She felt an intense loathing for the corrupt regime."

What are some alternatives to "intense loathing"?

You can use alternatives like "deep hatred", "profound aversion", or "extreme detestation" depending on the context.

Is "intense loathing" too strong of a phrase to use in formal writing?

While "intense loathing" is a strong phrase, it can be appropriate in formal writing if the situation warrants it and you want to emphasize the strength of the negative feeling. Consider the impact on your audience and whether a milder term like "strong dislike" would be more suitable.

What is the difference between "intense loathing" and "mild dislike"?

"Intense loathing" conveys a very strong feeling of hatred or disgust, while "mild dislike" expresses a weaker, more superficial level of aversion. The choice depends on the degree of negativity you want to communicate.