hate
12 synonyms and 1 antonyms for hate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To dislike someone or something intensely.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use hate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Using "hate" as a noun for online abuse ("getting hate") is informal, modern usage.
Etymology
From Old English hatian ("to hate") and hete ("hatred"), both going back to a very old Germanic root for strong negative emotion.
Full origin of hate →Frequently asked questions
What does “hate” mean?
The word “hate” means to dislike someone or something intensely. In plain terms, a strong negative feeling toward someone or something — or, in slang, the abusive comments people send online.
How do you pronounce “hate”?
“Hate” is pronounced hayt (/heɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “hate” in a sentence?
Here is “hate” used in a sentence: “She hates getting up early.”
What is another word for “hate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “hate” include abhor, abominate, can't stand, can't stand the sight of, despise and detest.
What is the opposite of “hate”?
The opposite of “hate” — its antonyms — is love.
What part of speech is “hate”?
Depending on how it is used, “hate” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “hate” come from?
The word “hate” comes from Old English. From Old English hatian ("to hate") and hete ("hatred"), both going back to a very old Germanic root for strong negative emotion.
Is “hate” a common word?
“Hate” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between hate and dislike?
The difference is intensity. To dislike something is a mild, everyday reaction, meaning you'd rather avoid it. To hate something is far stronger, an intense and often emotional aversion. Hate can carry real hostility, whereas dislike is calm and moderate. That's why 'hate' should be used more carefully than 'dislike.'
What is the difference between hate and loathe?
Both mean intense dislike, but 'loathe' is even more forceful and adds a note of disgust or revulsion. If you hate something, you feel strong aversion; if you loathe it, you can hardly stand to be near it. 'Loathe' is the more emphatic, more visceral of the two words.
What is the opposite of hate?
The clearest opposite of 'hate' is 'love,' its natural counterpart in intensity. Milder opposites include 'like,' 'enjoy,' and 'adore,' depending on how strong the positive feeling is. Where hate expresses intense aversion, love expresses intense affection, making the two the strongest opposing emotions in everyday language.
Is 'hate' a strong word?
Yes, 'hate' is one of the strongest words for negative feeling, expressing intense dislike or hostility. Because it's so forceful, people often soften it in polite conversation, saying 'I'm not keen on it' instead. Used sincerely, it signals real aversion, so many speakers reserve it for things they genuinely can't stand.