English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

verb C1 Advanced

detest

dih-TEHST

Detest (verb) means to hate something or someone intensely. Example: “I detest being kept waiting.”

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verb

1

To hate something or someone intensely.

"I detest being kept waiting."

"She detests dishonesty of any kind."

How to use detest

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo loathe or strongly dislike something.

Common mistake

Stronger than "dislike" — reserve it for genuine, intense hatred rather than mild annoyance.

Common pairings

detest the idea of absolutely detest detest each other

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

detested past tense, detests singular

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Can you complete this real example?

I _____ being kept waiting.

Etymology

From Middle French détester, from Latin dētestor, literally "to call the gods to witness against" — from dē- + testor ("to testify"), the root behind "testify" and "testimony".

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

hate

Related words

want love hate dislike hateful heinous abhor

Frequently asked questions

What does “detest” mean?

The word “detest” means to hate something or someone intensely. In plain terms, to loathe or strongly dislike something.

How do you pronounce “detest”?

“Detest” is pronounced dih-TEHST (/dɪˈtɛst/ in IPA).

How do you use “detest” in a sentence?

Here is “detest” used in a sentence: “I detest being kept waiting.”

What part of speech is “detest”?

“Detest” is a verb.

Where does the word “detest” come from?

The word “detest” comes from Latin. From Middle French détester, from Latin dētestor, literally "to call the gods to witness against" — from dē- + testor ("to testify"), the root behind "testify" and "testimony".

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