Loathe vs Loath
What’s the difference between them?
Loathe
Meaning:
verb; to feel intense dislike or hatred for something.
Examples:
1. I loathe doing chores around the house.
2. He loathes going to the dentist.
3. She loathes the sound of his voice.
Loath
Meaning:
adjective; unwilling; reluctant; disinclined; averse.
Examples:
1. I was loath to admit I was wrong.
2. He was loath to leave the security of his home.
3. She was loath to let her children go to school.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Loathe
1. Abhor
2. Detest
3. Take a strong dislike to
4. Despise
5. Abominate
1. Adore
2. Cherish
3. Delight in
4. Welcome
5. Embrace
Loath
1. Averse
2. Disinclined
3. Reluctant
4. Disapprove
5. Unwilling
1. Enthusiastic
2. Glad
3. Willing
4. Fond of
5. Charmed by
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Loathe", "Loath".
1. Remember that 'loathe' is a verb, so it should always be followed by a noun or pronoun.
2. Remember that 'loath' is an adjective, so it should never be followed by a noun or pronoun.
3. I 'loathe' walking to the store, but I’m 'loath' to drive instead.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word be used?
Loathe is used as a verb to describe intense dislike or hatred for something. It is used to express strong negative feelings.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word?
Loath is used as an adjective to describe an unwilling or reluctant feeling towards something. It is typically used to express disapproval or reluctance to do something.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
Yes, these words have similar pronunciation, so you have pay attention to the context to use the correct word.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One of the most common mistakes is confusing the two words. It is important to remember that loathe is a verb that expresses intense dislike for something, while loath is an adjective that expresses unwillingness or reluctance to do something. Another mistake is mispronouncing the words. It is important to remember the correct pronunciations of each word.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. She is _____ to admit that she was wrong.
2. I absolutely _____ doing my taxes every year.
3. Although he is not a fan, he is not _____ to give it a try.
4. Most children _____ eating their vegetables.
5. Even though its a great opportunity, shes _____ to leave her family behind.
6. He _____ the idea of going to a crowded place because of his anxiety.
1. Loath
Explanation: The sentence describes a feeling of reluctance or unwillingness. Therefore, the adjective loath is appropriate.
2. Loathe
Explanation: The sentence indicates an intense dislike towards an activity, which makes loathe, a verb, the correct choice.
3. Loath
Explanation: The context here denotes a feeling of being reluctant or disinclined, so the adjective loath fits.
4. Loathe
Explanation: This sentence points out the strong aversion most children have towards eating vegetables. Hence, the verb loathe is the apt choice.
5. Loath
Explanation: This sentence portrays a reluctance or unwillingness to leave family, which calls for the adjective loath.
6. Loathes
Explanation: The context describes a strong feeling of dislike or hatred towards an idea, which makes the verb loathe (in its third-person singular form) the correct fit.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.