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B1 noun #25 most common 15 min read

hatred

Top 25

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips hatred in 30 Seconds

Explanation hatred in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'hatred' is a very difficult word. You should focus on the simpler word 'hate.' 'Hate' is the opposite of 'love.' For example, 'I hate spiders' or 'I hate rain.' 'Hatred' is the name of the feeling. It is a very strong, very bad feeling. You don't like someone very, very much. It is a big word for a big feeling. You might see it in stories where there is a 'bad guy' who has a lot of hatred. At this level, just remember that 'hatred' is a noun (a thing) and 'hate' is usually a verb (an action). You feel hatred. You hate something. It is not a word you need to use often in daily life, but it is good to know it means 'very strong dislike.'

For A2 learners, 'hatred' is a word you might see in simple news stories or books. It is a noun that means a very strong feeling of not liking someone or something. It is much stronger than 'dislike.' If you dislike a food, you just don't want to eat it. If you have hatred for something, you feel very angry and mean about it. You often use the word with 'for' or 'of.' For example, 'His hatred for the cold' or 'Her hatred of lies.' Remember that 'hatred' is the noun form. You can say 'He has a lot of hatred,' but you cannot say 'He hatreds me.' You must say 'He hates me.' This is a common mistake to avoid.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'hatred' to describe deeper emotions and social issues. It is a noun that describes an intense, lasting feeling of animosity. You will often see it in the news when people talk about 'racial hatred' or 'religious hatred.' These are serious problems in the world. You can also use it in your writing to show a character's strong motivation. For example, 'The war was caused by years of mutual hatred.' Notice the word 'mutual'—it means both sides feel the same way. You should also learn common adjectives that go with it, like 'deep,' 'intense,' or 'blind.' Using these will make your English sound more natural and descriptive.

B2 learners should understand the nuances of 'hatred' compared to other words like 'animosity' or 'resentment.' Hatred is a profound and often destructive emotion. In formal writing, 'hatred' is preferred over 'hate' as a noun because it sounds more serious and academic. You should be comfortable using it in various sentence structures, such as 'Driven by hatred, he refused to help.' You should also be aware of the legal and social contexts of the word, such as 'incitement to hatred.' This is a specific term used in law. At this level, you should also be able to discuss the causes and effects of hatred in an essay or debate, using the word accurately and with the correct prepositions ('of' or 'for').

At the C1 level, you should master the use of 'hatred' in complex and abstract discussions. You should understand its psychological and philosophical implications. For example, you might analyze how 'hatred' is used as a tool for political manipulation or how it manifests in literature as a tragic flaw. You should also be familiar with more sophisticated synonyms like 'enmity,' 'rancor,' and 'abhorrence,' and know exactly when to use each one. 'Hatred' is a versatile word that can describe everything from a personal grudge to a systemic social issue. Your usage should reflect this versatility, and you should be able to use it with a wide range of collocations and in various registers, from formal academic papers to intense narrative prose.

For C2 learners, 'hatred' is a word whose power and weight you should fully appreciate. You should be able to use it with precision in the most demanding contexts, such as legal briefs, philosophical treatises, or high-level political analysis. You should understand the historical weight the word carries and how its meaning can shift slightly depending on the cultural or historical context. You should also be able to use it in highly idiomatic or metaphorical ways, and recognize when it is being used rhetorically to evoke a specific emotional response. At this level, your command of 'hatred' and its related concepts should be indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, allowing you to discuss the darkest aspects of the human condition with clarity and depth.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

hatred in 30 Seconds

Hatred is a noun describing an extreme and enduring feeling of dislike or hostility toward someone or something, far exceeding simple annoyance.
It is commonly used in serious contexts like news, politics, and literature to describe deep-seated animosity and social divisions.
Grammatically, it is usually uncountable and often paired with the prepositions 'of' or 'for' to identify the object of the emotion.
Mastering 'hatred' involves understanding its intensity and using it only for significant emotional states rather than minor everyday dislikes.

The word hatred is a powerful noun that describes an intense, deep-seated feeling of dislike or ill will toward someone or something. Unlike a simple 'dislike' or 'distaste,' hatred implies a profound emotional state that often involves hostility, resentment, and sometimes a desire for the object of the feeling to suffer or be removed. It is an emotion that occupies a significant place in human psychology, literature, and social discourse because of its potential to drive actions and shape history. People use this word when they want to convey the maximum level of negative emotion possible. It is not a word used lightly; to say you have hatred for something is to declare a fundamental opposition to its existence or character.

Emotional Depth: Hatred is often described as 'visceral,' meaning it is felt deep within the body, rather than just being a passing thought. It is a sustained emotion that can last for years or even generations.

The long-standing hatred between the two rival families eventually led to a tragic conflict that lasted for decades.

In social contexts, hatred is frequently discussed in relation to prejudice and discrimination. Terms like 'racial hatred' or 'religious hatred' describe systemic and group-based animosity that can lead to societal instability. In personal relationships, hatred might arise from a deep sense of betrayal or injustice. It is important to distinguish between the temporary anger one might feel after an argument and the enduring state of hatred. While anger is often a reaction to a specific event, hatred is a more permanent orientation toward an individual or group. It colors how a person perceives every action taken by the object of their hatred, often leading to a cycle of negativity that is difficult to break.

She looked at him with a cold hatred that made him realize there was no hope for reconciliation.

Synonym Nuance: While 'hate' is a common verb and noun, 'hatred' is the more formal and heavy noun form. You might 'hate' broccoli, but you usually reserve 'hatred' for more serious matters like injustice or enemies.

Furthermore, hatred is a common theme in philosophical and psychological studies. Philosophers often debate whether hatred is an inherent part of human nature or a learned behavior. Psychologists examine how hatred can be a defense mechanism or a result of projected self-loathing. In literature, hatred serves as a powerful catalyst for plot development, driving characters to seek revenge or undergo significant transformations. From the ancient Greek tragedies to modern-day novels, the exploration of hatred provides a window into the darkest corners of the human experience. It is a word that carries the weight of history, emotion, and consequence, making it essential for any advanced English learner to master.

His hatred of injustice drove him to become one of the most dedicated human rights lawyers of his generation.

The film explores the destructive nature of hatred and the possibility of forgiveness in the aftermath of war.

Colloquial vs. Formal: In everyday speech, people often say 'I hate that,' but in formal writing, reports, or serious discussions, 'hatred' is used to emphasize the gravity of the sentiment.

There was a palpable sense of hatred in the room as the two opponents faced each other for the first time.

Ultimately, understanding 'hatred' involves recognizing its intensity. It is not just a preference; it is a profound emotional commitment. Whether discussing history, politics, or personal feelings, using the word 'hatred' signals to your audience that you are talking about something of great significance and emotional power. It is a word that demands attention and respect for the depth of feeling it represents.

Using the word hatred correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a noun and the typical prepositions that accompany it. Most commonly, hatred is followed by 'of' or 'for' to indicate the target of the emotion. For example, 'his hatred of cruelty' or 'her hatred for the regime.' It can also be modified by various adjectives to specify its intensity or nature, such as 'intense hatred,' 'deep-seated hatred,' 'blind hatred,' or 'mutual hatred.' These modifiers help to paint a clearer picture of the emotion's scale and origin.

Prepositional Usage: 'Hatred of' is often used for abstract concepts or general things (hatred of lies), while 'hatred for' is frequently used for specific people or groups (hatred for his brother).

The protagonist's hatred for the villain was the primary motivation for his journey across the continent.

Hatred can function as the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb, or part of a prepositional phrase. As a subject, it often takes verbs that describe its effect or growth: 'Hatred consumed him,' 'Hatred grew between the two nations.' As an object, it is often paired with verbs like 'feel,' 'express,' 'overcome,' 'harbor,' or 'incite.' For instance, 'He harbored a secret hatred for his boss' or 'The speech was intended to incite hatred among the crowd.' Understanding these common verb-noun pairings (collocations) is key to using the word naturally in both written and spoken English.

It is difficult to overcome a hatred that has been nurtured since childhood.

Common Adjectives: Use 'visceral,' 'abiding,' 'unrelenting,' or 'pathological' to describe very strong or long-lasting hatred.

In more complex sentence structures, hatred can be used to explain the reason behind an action. For example, 'Driven by hatred, the character made a choice that would haunt him forever.' Here, the phrase 'driven by hatred' acts as an adverbial modifier, providing the motivation for the main action. Similarly, you might see 'out of hatred,' as in 'He acted out of pure hatred.' These structures are particularly common in narrative writing and formal analysis where character motivations or historical causes are being explored. Using these varied structures will make your English sound more sophisticated and precise.

The treaty was signed not out of friendship, but out of a mutual hatred for a common enemy.

The philosopher argued that hatred is often the result of fear and ignorance.

Verb Pairings: Common verbs: arouse, evoke, fuel, harbor, instill, manifest, suppress, vent.

The dictator used propaganda to fuel hatred against minority groups within the country.

By practicing these different sentence patterns, you will become more comfortable using 'hatred' to express complex emotions and motivations. Whether you are writing an essay, telling a story, or engaging in a serious debate, knowing how to weave this powerful word into your sentences will enhance your expressive capabilities in English.

The word hatred is frequently encountered in various high-stakes contexts, ranging from news reporting and political discourse to literature and psychological analysis. In the news, you will often hear it in the context of 'hate crimes' or 'incitement to hatred.' Journalists use the word to describe the motivation behind violent acts or the rhetoric used by extremist groups. For example, a news anchor might report on 'the rising tide of racial hatred in the region.' In these cases, the word is used to highlight the severity and the emotional root of social issues, signaling to the audience that the situation is grave and potentially dangerous.

News & Media: In media, 'hatred' is a standard term for describing group-based animosity, such as 'ethnic hatred' or 'sectarian hatred' in conflict zones.

The documentary explores how social media algorithms can inadvertently amplify hatred and polarization.

In the realm of politics and law, 'hatred' is a technical term used in legislation concerning 'hate speech.' Politicians may give speeches condemning 'hatred and division,' positioning themselves as unifiers. Legal experts discuss the 'threshold of hatred' required to prosecute someone for inciting violence. In these formal settings, the word is used with precision to define the limits of acceptable behavior and the legal consequences of spreading animosity. You might hear a politician say, 'We must stand together against the forces of hatred that seek to tear our community apart.' This usage emphasizes the word's role as a powerful rhetorical tool for moral and social positioning.

The judge noted that the crime was clearly motivated by religious hatred, which served as an aggravating factor in the sentencing.

Literature & Film: In stories, 'hatred' is often the 'engine' of the plot. Think of Captain Ahab's hatred for Moby Dick or the rivalry between the Montagues and Capulets.

Furthermore, in academic and psychological circles, 'hatred' is a subject of intense study. You will hear it in lectures about 'the psychology of hatred' or read about it in papers discussing 'intergroup hatred.' Researchers look at the cognitive and emotional processes that lead to hatred, often discussing it in the context of 'othering'—the process of perceiving a group as fundamentally different and inferior. In therapy or counseling, a person might discuss their 'hatred for their past self' or 'hatred of their circumstances.' In these contexts, the word is used to explore the internal world of individuals and the complex motivations behind human behavior.

The professor's lecture on the hatred inherent in extremist ideologies was both enlightening and disturbing.

In the final scene, the villain's hatred is finally replaced by a moment of profound regret.

Everyday Serious Talk: While rare in casual small talk, 'hatred' appears in serious personal conversations about deep grievances or strong moral stances.

He spoke with such hatred about the company's policies that I knew he was planning to quit.

Whether you are consuming media, studying social sciences, or engaging in deep personal reflections, the word 'hatred' is a constant presence. It serves as a marker for the most intense forms of human negativity, and its usage across these diverse fields underscores its importance in understanding the complexities of the world around us.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with hatred is confusing it with the verb or simple noun 'hate.' While 'hate' can be both a verb ('I hate this') and a noun ('his hate for me'), 'hatred' is strictly a noun and carries a more formal, intense, and enduring connotation. Using 'hate' in a formal essay when 'hatred' is more appropriate can make the writing seem less sophisticated. For example, 'The hate between the two groups' is grammatically correct but 'The hatred between the two groups' sounds more professional and emphasizes the depth of the emotion.

Confusing 'Hate' and 'Hatred': Incorrect: 'He felt a lot of hate.' (Too casual). Correct: 'He felt a profound sense of hatred.' (Better for serious contexts).

Incorrect: His hate of the system was obvious. Correct: His hatred of the system was obvious.

Another common error involves the misuse of prepositions. Learners often use 'against' or 'to' when 'of' or 'for' is required. While you can have a 'bias against' someone, you have a 'hatred for' or 'hatred of' them. Saying 'his hatred against the rules' is a common mistake; the correct form is 'his hatred of the rules.' Similarly, 'hatred to' is rarely used; 'hatred toward' is acceptable but 'hatred for' is much more common and natural-sounding in most contexts. Paying close attention to these prepositional pairings will significantly improve the accuracy of your English.

Incorrect: She has a deep hatred against injustice. Correct: She has a deep hatred of injustice.

Overuse for Minor Dislikes: Don't use 'hatred' for things like food, weather, or minor inconveniences. It makes you sound overly dramatic or aggressive.

A third mistake is treating 'hatred' as a countable noun in the wrong way. While you can say 'the hatreds of the past,' referring to different types of hate, you cannot usually say 'I have three hatreds.' It is primarily an uncountable noun representing a state of being. Furthermore, learners sometimes forget that 'hatred' is the noun form of the verb 'hate.' You cannot 'hatred' someone; you must 'hate' them. 'He hatreds his enemy' is a fundamental grammatical error. Always remember: 'hate' is the action, 'hatred' is the feeling or the concept.

Incorrect: He hatreds the way she speaks. Correct: He hates the way she speaks.

Incorrect: The hated between them was clear. Correct: The hatred between them was clear.

Intensity Misalignment: Using 'hatred' for a person you just met and slightly dislike is an intensity mismatch. Use 'dislike' or 'distrust' instead.

The speaker warned that hatred is a poison that destroys the vessel it is carried in.

By avoiding these common pitfalls—confusing the noun and verb, using incorrect prepositions, and misapplying the word's intensity—you will be able to use 'hatred' with the precision and impact it deserves. Mastery of these nuances is what separates an intermediate learner from an advanced speaker.

While hatred is a powerful and versatile word, English offers several synonyms that can provide more specific nuances depending on the context. Understanding these alternatives allows you to be more precise in your descriptions of negative emotions. For instance, 'animosity' suggests an active, often public, hostility or friction between people. 'Enmity' is a more formal term often used to describe the state of being enemies, especially between groups or nations over a long period. 'Loathing' emphasizes a feeling of intense disgust or revulsion, often toward something one finds morally or physically repellent.

Hatred vs. Animosity: Hatred is the pure emotion; animosity is the active, often visible spirit of hostility. You might feel hatred in silence, but animosity usually shows in your actions.

There was no open conflict, but the animosity between the two departments was evident to everyone in the office.

Other words like 'abhorrence' and 'detestation' are even more formal and carry a sense of strong moral rejection. If you 'abhor' something, you find it completely unacceptable and worthy of extreme dislike. 'Resentment' is a slightly different emotion; it is a feeling of anger or bitterness caused by a sense of being treated unfairly. While resentment can lead to hatred, it is initially focused on a specific grievance. 'Rancor' is another sophisticated synonym, describing a long-standing, bitter resentment or ill will. Using these words correctly can help you articulate the exact nature of a negative sentiment, whether it is based on disgust, unfairness, or long-term rivalry.

His loathing for the task was so great that he procrastinated for weeks.

Hatred vs. Resentment: Resentment is 'bitterness over a perceived wrong.' Hatred is the 'deep desire for harm or intense dislike.' Resentment is often the 'why,' and hatred is the 'what.'

In contrast to these intense words, 'dislike' and 'distaste' are much milder. 'Dislike' is a general term for not liking something, while 'distaste' suggests a mild feeling of being offended or repelled. If you want to express a negative feeling without the extreme weight of 'hatred,' these are the better choices. For example, 'I have a distaste for modern art' sounds much more reasonable and less aggressive than 'I have a hatred of modern art.' Choosing the right level of intensity is crucial for effective communication, as using 'hatred' too often can make you seem hyperbolic or overly emotional.

The long-standing enmity between the two nations made any peace negotiations extremely difficult.

She felt a surge of rancor when she saw her former partner receiving the award.

Antonym Comparison: The opposite of hatred isn't just 'love'; it can also be 'indifference' (lack of feeling) or 'benevolence' (desire to do good).

His detestation of the new law was shared by many of his colleagues.

By mastering these synonyms and understanding their subtle differences, you can tailor your language to fit any situation. Whether you need the raw power of 'hatred,' the formal weight of 'enmity,' or the specific bitterness of 'rancor,' having a wide range of alternatives at your disposal will make your English more expressive and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The suffix '-red' in 'hatred' is the same one found in 'kindred', though it is very rare in modern English. It literally turns the verb into a 'state of being'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈheɪ.trɪd/

US /ˈheɪ.trɪd/

The stress is on the first syllable: HAY-trid.

Rhymes With

Sacred (partial) Hatred (self) Wait-red (constructed) Late-rid (constructed) State-rid (constructed) Great-rid (constructed) Plate-rid (constructed) Date-rid (constructed)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'hate-red' with two equal syllables.
Forgetting the 'd' at the end.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'hated' (the past tense of hate).
Pronouncing the 'a' as a short 'ah' sound.
Swallowing the 't' sound completely.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and literature, but the nuances require attention.

Writing 4/5

Choosing the right preposition and intensity is tricky.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but should be used sparingly due to its strength.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to recognize.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Hate Angry Dislike Feeling Strong

Learn Next

Animosity Enmity Resentment Hostility Prejudice

Advanced

Abhorrence Detestation Rancor Loathing Malevolence

Grammar to Know

Non-count nouns for emotions

Hatred is a strong emotion. (Not 'A hatred is...')

Prepositional objects

Hatred of (abstract) vs Hatred for (personal).

Adjective placement

Deep-seated hatred (Adjective before noun).

Gerunds as subjects

Feeling hatred can be exhausting.

Passive voice with 'fuel'

The hatred was fueled by lies.

Examples by Level

He has a lot of hatred in his heart.

Il a beaucoup de haine dans son cœur.

'Hatred' is a noun here.

The story is about love and hatred.

L'histoire parle d'amour et de haine.

Used as a concept.

I don't like hatred.

Je n'aime pas la haine.

Direct object of 'like'.

Hatred is a bad feeling.

La haine est un mauvais sentiment.

Subject of the sentence.

There was hatred between the two boys.

Il y avait de la haine entre les deux garçons.

Followed by 'between'.

His hatred made him sad.

Sa haine l'a rendu triste.

Possessive 'his' + noun.

Stop the hatred!

Arrêtez la haine !

Imperative context.

She felt hatred for the first time.

Elle a ressenti de la haine pour la première fois.

Verb 'felt' + noun.

Her hatred of spiders is very strong.

Sa haine des araignées est très forte.

'Hatred of' + noun.

He couldn't hide his hatred for the rules.

Il ne pouvait pas cacher sa haine pour les règles.

'Hatred for' + noun.

The two countries have a long history of hatred.

Les deux pays ont une longue histoire de haine.

'History of' + noun.

Hatred can lead to many problems.

La haine peut mener à de nombreux problèmes.

Subject + modal 'can'.

She spoke about her hatred of war.

Elle a parlé de sa haine de la guerre.

Prepositional phrase 'of war'.

The movie showed the hatred of the villain.

Le film montrait la haine du méchant.

Possessive 'of the villain'.

They tried to end the hatred in their town.

Ils ont essayé de mettre fin à la haine dans leur ville.

Infinitive 'to end' + object.

His hatred was clear to everyone.

Sa haine était claire pour tout le monde.

Subject + 'was' + adjective.

The speech was full of hatred and anger.

Le discours était plein de haine et de colère.

Part of a compound object.

He has a deep-seated hatred for injustice.

Il a une haine profonde pour l'injustice.

Modified by 'deep-seated'.

Racial hatred is a serious issue in many societies.

La haine raciale est un problème grave dans de nombreuses sociétés.

Compound noun 'racial hatred'.

The hatred between the families lasted for generations.

La haine entre les familles a duré des générations.

Subject with 'between'.

She tried to overcome her hatred of her former boss.

Elle a essayé de surmonter sa haine pour son ancien patron.

Infinitive 'to overcome' + object.

The book explores the destructive power of hatred.

Le livre explore le pouvoir destructeur de la haine.

Object of 'explores'.

He felt a sudden surge of hatred.

Il a ressenti une soudaine poussée de haine.

Modified by 'surge of'.

Their mutual hatred made it impossible to work together.

Leur haine mutuelle rendait impossible le travail d'équipe.

Modified by 'mutual'.

The dictator used propaganda to incite hatred against minorities.

Le dictateur a utilisé la propagande pour inciter à la haine contre les minorités.

Verb 'incite' + noun.

His hatred was fueled by years of perceived neglect.

Sa haine était alimentée par des années de négligence perçue.

Passive voice 'was fueled by'.

The law prohibits the incitement of religious hatred.

La loi interdit l'incitation à la haine religieuse.

Formal legal context.

She looked at him with a cold, calculating hatred.

Elle l'a regardé avec une haine froide et calculatrice.

Modified by multiple adjectives.

The conflict was born out of ancient hatreds.

Le conflit est né de haines ancestrales.

Plural 'hatreds' used for types.

It is vital to distinguish between constructive criticism and pure hatred.

Il est vital de distinguer la critique constructive de la pure haine.

Comparison structure.

His hatred of the regime led him to join the resistance.

Sa haine du régime l'a conduit à rejoindre la résistance.

Subject of the main clause.

The poem reflects the poet's visceral hatred of war.

Le poème reflète la haine viscérale du poète pour la guerre.

Modified by 'visceral'.

The visceral hatred he felt was almost palpable in the room.

La haine viscérale qu'il ressentait était presque palpable dans la pièce.

Relative clause 'he felt' modifying 'hatred'.

Sociologists study how systemic hatred can be dismantled.

Les sociologues étudient comment la haine systémique peut être démantelée.

Modified by 'systemic'.

The novel is a profound meditation on the nature of hatred.

Le roman est une méditation profonde sur la nature de la haine.

Object of 'nature of'.

His actions were motivated by a pathological hatred of authority.

Ses actions étaient motivées par une haine pathologique de l'autorité.

Modified by 'pathological'.

The treaty aimed to bury the hatreds that had plagued the continent.

Le traité visait à enterrer les haines qui avaient tourmenté le continent.

Plural 'hatreds' as a collective noun.

She spoke with a quiet hatred that was more terrifying than any scream.

Elle parlait avec une haine tranquille qui était plus terrifiante que n'importe quel cri.

Modified by 'quiet'.

The film depicts the corrosive effect of hatred on the human soul.

Le film dépeint l'effet corrosif de la haine sur l'âme humaine.

Subject of the prepositional phrase.

Their hatred was an unbridgeable chasm between them.

Leur haine était un gouffre infranchissable entre eux.

Metaphorical usage.

The polemic was an exercise in pure, unadulterated hatred.

Le polémique était un exercice de haine pure et sans mélange.

Modified by 'unadulterated'.

He harbored an abiding hatred that time could not wither.

Il nourrissait une haine durable que le temps ne pouvait flétrir.

Modified by 'abiding'.

The philosopher argued that hatred is the ultimate failure of the imagination.

Le philosophe a soutenu que la haine est l'échec ultime de l'imagination.

Abstract philosophical subject.

The rhetoric of hatred was used to galvanize the disenfranchised.

La rhétorique de la haine a été utilisée pour galvaniser les marginaux.

Noun phrase 'rhetoric of hatred'.

Her hatred was not a flame, but a slow-burning ember of resentment.

Sa haine n'était pas une flamme, mais une braise de ressentiment à combustion lente.

Complex metaphor.

The historical record is stained by the blood of those lost to senseless hatred.

Le registre historique est entaché par le sang de ceux qui ont péri à cause d'une haine insensée.

Modified by 'senseless'.

To understand the conflict, one must delve into the primal hatreds of the region.

Pour comprendre le conflit, il faut plonger dans les haines primaires de la région.

Modified by 'primal'.

The character's descent into hatred was both inevitable and tragic.

La descente du personnage dans la haine était à la fois inévitable et tragique.

Noun phrase 'descent into hatred'.

Common Collocations

Deep-seated hatred

Intense hatred

Mutual hatred

Racial hatred

Fuel hatred

Incite hatred

Harbor hatred

Blind hatred

Pure hatred

Overcome hatred

Common Phrases

Filled with hatred

— To be completely consumed by the emotion of hate.

His heart was filled with hatred after the betrayal.

A surge of hatred

— A sudden, strong feeling of hate.

She felt a surge of hatred when she saw him laughing.

Driven by hatred

— Motivated by the feeling of hate to take action.

Driven by hatred, he sought revenge for his family.

Hatred of the unknown

— A fear-based dislike of things that are unfamiliar.

Xenophobia is often rooted in a hatred of the unknown.

Bury the hatred

— To decide to stop feeling hate and move on.

They finally agreed to bury the hatred and work together.

Masked hatred

— Hate that is hidden behind a polite or neutral exterior.

Behind her smile was a deeply masked hatred.

A legacy of hatred

— Hatred that is passed down through generations.

The war left a legacy of hatred that lasted for decades.

Vent one's hatred

— To express one's hate openly and often aggressively.

He used his blog to vent his hatred of the government.

Rooted in hatred

— Having hate as the fundamental cause or origin.

Their conflict was rooted in centuries-old hatred.

Stoke the flames of hatred

— To make a situation of hate even worse or more intense.

The politician's comments only served to stoke the flames of hatred.

Often Confused With

hatred vs Hate

Hate is a verb or a less formal noun. Hatred is a more formal and intense noun.

hatred vs Hated

Hated is the past tense of the verb 'hate' or an adjective (e.g., the hated king).

hatred vs Heated

Heated means warm or angry (e.g., a heated argument), but it's not the same as hatred.

Idioms & Expressions

"No love lost"

— Used to say that two people dislike each other very much.

There is no love lost between the two brothers.

Informal

"At daggers drawn"

— In a state of extreme unfriendliness or hostility.

The two countries have been at daggers drawn for years.

Formal/Literary

"Bad blood"

— Feelings of hate or strong dislike between people because of past events.

There is a lot of bad blood between those two families.

Neutral

"A bone to pick"

— To have a reason to be annoyed or angry with someone.

I have a bone to pick with you about what you said yesterday.

Informal

"Cut someone dead"

— To ignore someone completely because you dislike them.

She cut him dead when they met at the party.

Informal

"Give someone the cold shoulder"

— To intentionally ignore someone or treat them in an unfriendly way.

After the argument, she gave him the cold shoulder for a week.

Informal

"Have it in for someone"

— To want to harm or criticize someone because you dislike them.

The teacher really has it in for me this semester.

Informal

"Make someone's blood boil"

— To make someone extremely angry.

The way he treats his employees makes my blood boil.

Informal

"Out for blood"

— Determined to get revenge or to harm someone.

After the insult, he was out for blood.

Informal

"Poison the well"

— To provide negative information about someone to others before they meet them.

He tried to poison the well by telling everyone I was lazy.

Neutral

Easily Confused

hatred vs Animosity

Both mean strong dislike.

Animosity is more about active friction and visible hostility, while hatred is the internal emotion.

The animosity between the neighbors was obvious from their shouting.

hatred vs Enmity

Both describe being enemies.

Enmity is more formal and often describes a long-term state of conflict between groups.

The enmity between the two nations lasted for centuries.

hatred vs Resentment

Both are negative feelings.

Resentment is specifically about feeling treated unfairly, while hatred is a broader, more intense dislike.

He felt resentment toward his brother for getting the larger inheritance.

hatred vs Loathing

Both are intense dislikes.

Loathing includes a strong element of disgust or revulsion.

She felt a deep loathing for the cruel treatment of animals.

hatred vs Hostility

Both involve negative feelings.

Hostility is often used to describe aggressive behavior or an unfriendly environment.

The host's hostility made the guests feel very unwelcome.

Sentence Patterns

I feel [hatred].

I feel hatred.

His [hatred] of [something] is [adjective].

His hatred of spiders is strong.

There is a [adjective] [hatred] between [group] and [group].

There is a deep hatred between the two teams.

[Something] was motivated by [hatred] for [someone].

The crime was motivated by hatred for the victim.

Driven by [adjective] [hatred], [subject] [verb].

Driven by visceral hatred, he refused to speak.

The [noun] of [hatred] [verb] the [noun].

The rhetoric of hatred poisoned the community.

She tried to [verb] her [hatred].

She tried to hide her hatred.

The [noun] fueled the [hatred] of the [noun].

The news fueled the hatred of the protesters.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in serious journalism, literature, and academic writing.

Common Mistakes

He has a lot of hate for his job. → He has a lot of hatred for his job.
While 'hate' can be a noun, 'hatred' is more appropriate and formal when describing a deep feeling.
She hatreds the way he acts. → She hates the way he acts.
'Hatred' is a noun, not a verb. Use 'hate' for the action.
His hatred against the rules was clear. → His hatred of the rules was clear.
The preposition 'of' is more standard and natural with 'hatred' when referring to abstract things.
I have a hatred for this pizza. → I don't like this pizza.
'Hatred' is too strong for food. It makes the speaker sound overly dramatic or strange.
The hated between the families was old. → The hatred between the families was old.
'Hated' is an adjective or verb; 'hatred' is the noun needed here.

Tips

Choose the Right Preposition

Always remember to use 'of' or 'for' after hatred. 'Hatred of' is great for abstract things like 'hatred of lies,' while 'hatred for' works well for people like 'hatred for his enemy.' This small detail makes a big difference in your fluency.

Use in Formal Writing

In academic or professional writing, prefer 'hatred' over 'hate' when you need a noun. It sounds more sophisticated and carries more emotional weight, which is usually what you want when discussing serious topics.

Learn the Synonyms

Don't just rely on 'hatred.' Learn words like 'animosity' for social friction, 'enmity' for long-term rivalries, and 'loathing' for disgust. Having these options allows you to be much more precise in your descriptions.

Noun vs. Verb

Never use 'hatred' as a verb. You cannot 'hatred someone.' Always use 'hate' for the action and 'hatred' for the feeling. Incorrect: 'He hatreds me.' Correct: 'He hates me' or 'He feels hatred toward me.'

Save it for Big Things

Avoid using 'hatred' for minor dislikes like 'hatred of broccoli.' It makes you sound overly dramatic. Use 'dislike' or 'distaste' for small things and save 'hatred' for truly intense, serious emotions.

Stress the First Syllable

The stress is on the 'HAY'. If you stress the second syllable, it will be hard for native speakers to understand you. Practice saying HAY-trid several times to get the rhythm right.

Don't Forget the 'D'

Many learners accidentally write 'hated' when they mean 'hatred.' Remember that 'hated' is a verb form or adjective, while 'hatred' is the noun. The 'd' at the end is essential for the noun form.

Be Sensitive

Because 'hatred' is such a strong word, be careful when using it in social situations. It can come across as very aggressive. If you want to be more polite, use words like 'disagreement' or 'strong dislike' instead.

Look for Adjectives

When reading, pay attention to the adjectives that come before 'hatred.' Words like 'visceral,' 'blind,' or 'mutual' give you a lot of information about the nature of the emotion in the story or article.

Use for Motivation

In creative writing, 'hatred' is a great way to explain a character's motivation. Phrases like 'driven by hatred' or 'out of pure hatred' immediately tell the reader why a character is doing something extreme.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Hate' + 'Red'. Red is the color of anger and blood. So, 'Hatred' is the 'Red' (intense) state of 'Hate'.

Visual Association

Imagine a dark, red cloud filling a person's heart, representing the heavy and intense feeling of hatred.

Word Web

Anger Hostility Enemies Revenge Resentment Conflict Violence Disgust

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using 'hatred' with three different adjectives: 'visceral', 'mutual', and 'blind'.

Word Origin

The word 'hatred' comes from the Middle English word 'hatrede' or 'haterede'. It is formed from the root 'hate' combined with the suffix '-red', which comes from the Old English '-ræden', meaning 'condition' or 'state'.

Original meaning: The original meaning was the state or condition of feeling hate.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word about people or groups, as it is very strong and can be seen as aggressive or inflammatory.

In the US and UK, 'inciting racial hatred' is a serious legal offense. The word is used frequently in discussions about social justice.

Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' (ancient grudge/hatred). The concept of 'Hate Speech' in modern law. Yoda's famous quote: 'Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Politics

Incite hatred
Racial hatred
Political hatred
Climate of hatred

Relationships

Mutual hatred
Deep-seated hatred
Harbor hatred
End the hatred

Literature

Protagonist's hatred
Legacy of hatred
Driven by hatred
Visceral hatred

Psychology

Self-hatred
Nature of hatred
Psychology of hatred
Roots of hatred

Law

Incitement to hatred
Hate crime
Motivated by hatred
Evidence of hatred

Conversation Starters

"Do you think hatred is something people are born with, or is it learned?"

"How can a society effectively reduce the amount of hatred in its public discourse?"

"In your favorite book or movie, what was the primary source of the villain's hatred?"

"Is it possible to have a 'healthy' hatred for things like injustice or cruelty?"

"What is the best way to deal with a person who expresses a lot of hatred?"

Journal Prompts

Reflect on a time when you felt a strong sense of hatred. What caused it, and how did you move past it?

Write about a historical event where hatred played a major role. How did it change the course of history?

Describe a character who is consumed by hatred. What does their daily life look like, and how does it affect them?

Discuss the difference between 'hating' a situation and having 'hatred' for a person. Which is more destructive?

How does social media influence the spread of hatred in the modern world? Give specific examples.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is primarily uncountable, meaning you don't usually say 'two hatreds.' However, you can use the plural 'hatreds' when referring to different types or instances of hate, such as 'the ancient hatreds of the region.' This is more common in formal or literary writing.

'Hate' is most commonly used as a verb ('I hate this'). As a noun, 'hate' is more casual and often used in phrases like 'hate mail' or 'stop the hate.' 'Hatred' is a more formal noun that emphasizes the intensity and duration of the feeling. In serious writing, 'hatred' is usually the better choice.

It is more natural to say 'I have a hatred for him' or 'my hatred of him.' While 'against' is sometimes used, 'for' and 'of' are the standard prepositions that native speakers expect to hear with 'hatred.' Using the correct preposition makes your English sound more fluent.

Yes, 'hatred' is one of the strongest words for dislike in English. You should avoid using it for minor things like food or weather. If you say you have a 'hatred of rain,' it sounds like you have a very deep, almost violent emotional reaction to it. For minor things, use 'dislike' or 'don't like'.

It is pronounced HAY-trid. The first syllable is stressed and has a long 'a' sound. The second syllable is short and ends with a clear 'd' sound. Make sure not to pronounce it as 'hate-red' with two equal parts; the emphasis must be on the beginning.

Common adjectives include 'deep,' 'intense,' 'visceral,' 'blind,' 'mutual,' 'racial,' and 'abiding.' These words help to specify how strong the hatred is or what kind of hatred it is. For example, 'blind hatred' means the person is so angry they can't think clearly.

Yes, 'self-hatred' is a common term in psychology and everyday discussion. It describes a person who has very negative feelings about themselves. It is often used when talking about mental health, self-esteem, or personal struggles.

Usually, 'hatred' is seen as negative. However, some people argue that having a 'hatred of injustice' or a 'hatred of cruelty' can be a positive motivation for change. In these cases, the hatred is directed at something bad in order to promote something good.

This is a legal term. It refers to the act of encouraging other people to feel hatred toward a specific group, usually based on race, religion, or sexual orientation. In many countries, inciting hatred is a crime because it can lead to violence and social instability.

The most common opposite is 'love.' Other opposites include 'affection,' 'benevolence,' 'kindness,' and 'liking.' Depending on the context, 'indifference' (having no feeling at all) can also be seen as an opposite state to the intense feeling of hatred.