hate
hayt
Hate (verb) means to dislike someone or something intensely. Example: “She hates getting up early.”
verb
1
To dislike someone or something intensely.
"She hates getting up early."
"He doesn't just dislike the plan — he hates it."
"I hate waiting in long queues at the supermarket on Saturdays."
noun
1
Intense dislike, or abusive comments directed at someone, especially online.
"The singer gets a lot of hate on social media."
"Online hate can hurt people, so the website now removes nasty comments quickly."
"There was real hate in his voice when he spoke about his old landlord."
How to use hate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA strong negative feeling toward someone or something — or, in slang, the abusive comments people send online.
When to use it
Using "hate" as a noun for online abuse ("getting hate") is informal, modern usage.
Common pairings
hate mail
get hate
love-hate relationship
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Word forms
- Plural
- hates
- Third person singular
- hates
- Past tense
- hated
- Archaic forms
- hatest, hatedst, hateth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ getting up early.
Etymology
From Old English hatian ("to hate") and hete ("hatred"), both going back to a very old Germanic root for strong negative emotion.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for hate
See all rhymes for 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.
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