to hate
To feel intense dislike for someone or something.
To hate means to feel intense dislike or aversion towards something or someone.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Expresses very strong dislike.
- Used for people, things, or actions.
- Stronger than 'dislike'.
Summary
To hate means to feel intense dislike or aversion towards something or someone.
- Expresses very strong dislike.
- Used for people, things, or actions.
- Stronger than 'dislike'.
Use 'hate' for strong feelings
Only use 'hate' when you feel a very strong negative emotion. For milder dislikes, use words like 'don't like' or 'dislike'.
Avoid overuse of 'hate'
Using 'hate' too often, especially for small things, can make your language sound aggressive or overly dramatic. Consider if a milder word is more appropriate.
Expressing hate carefully
In many cultures, expressing hate directly towards people is considered impolite or offensive. It's important to be mindful of the social context when using this word.
Examples
4 of 4I hate it when people are late for appointments.
The character in the novel confessed that he began to hate his captors.
Ugh, I hate this traffic! We'll never get there on time.
She stated that she hated the policy decision.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'HATCHET' being used to chop up something you strongly dislike. The sharp sound of 'hate' can help you remember the intensity of the feeling.
Overview
The verb 'to hate' signifies an intense feeling of dislike or animosity. It's stronger than simply 'disliking' something; it implies a deep-seated negative emotion. This can be directed towards people, objects, actions, or even abstract concepts. At the A2 CEFR level, learners are introduced to basic emotions and expressions, and 'hate' is one of the fundamental words to express strong negative feelings.
The verb 'to hate' typically takes a direct object, which is the person, thing, or concept being hated. It can also be followed by a gerund (verb ending in -ing) or an infinitive (to + verb). For example, 'I hate spiders,' 'She hates waiting in line,' or 'He hates to wake up early.' It is often used to express personal feelings and opinions.
This word is commonly used in everyday conversations to express strong personal feelings. People might say they hate a certain food, a particular type of weather, a difficult task, or even a person. It can also appear in more dramatic contexts, like in stories or movies, to describe intense emotions between characters. In informal settings, it might be used with some exaggeration to emphasize dislike.
While 'hate' expresses intense dislike, 'dislike' is a milder term. You might 'dislike' a song, but you 'hate' a person who has wronged you. 'Detest' is a synonym that is even stronger than 'hate,' often implying disgust. 'Loathe' is another strong synonym, suggesting extreme aversion and contempt. At the A2 level, understanding the difference between 'dislike' and 'hate' is important for expressing emotions accurately.
Usage Notes
The word 'hate' expresses a very strong negative emotion and should be used with care. While common in informal speech, its intensity means it can sound aggressive or overly dramatic in formal contexts. Be mindful of the situation and your audience.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'hate' for mild dislikes, which can sound too strong. For instance, saying 'I hate this rainy weather' is common informally, but in a formal report, 'I dislike this weather' might be more appropriate. Also, ensure correct sentence structure, like 'I hate waiting' (gerund) not 'I hate to waiting'.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'HATCHET' being used to chop up something you strongly dislike. The sharp sound of 'hate' can help you remember the intensity of the feeling.
Word Origin
The word 'hate' comes from the Old English word 'hatian,' which meant 'to hate, persecute, or torment.' It has Germanic roots, indicating a long history of expressing this strong negative emotion.
Cultural Context
In many societies, overt expressions of hate, especially towards groups of people, are discouraged and can carry negative social or legal consequences. The concept of 'hate speech' and 'hate crimes' highlights the serious implications of this emotion.
Examples
I hate it when people are late for appointments.
everydayThe character in the novel confessed that he began to hate his captors.
academicUgh, I hate this traffic! We'll never get there on time.
informalShe stated that she hated the policy decision.
formalWord Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
I hate to say this, but...
hate it when...
for the hate of...
Often Confused With
'Dislike' is a milder form of negative feeling. You can dislike something without feeling intense aversion, whereas 'hate' implies a very strong, often emotional, negative reaction.
'Detest' is a synonym for 'hate' but often implies a stronger sense of disgust or moral disapproval. It's a very intense word, similar in strength to 'hate'.
Grammar Patterns
Use 'hate' for strong feelings
Only use 'hate' when you feel a very strong negative emotion. For milder dislikes, use words like 'don't like' or 'dislike'.
Avoid overuse of 'hate'
Using 'hate' too often, especially for small things, can make your language sound aggressive or overly dramatic. Consider if a milder word is more appropriate.
Expressing hate carefully
In many cultures, expressing hate directly towards people is considered impolite or offensive. It's important to be mindful of the social context when using this word.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
I really ___ waking up early on Saturdays.
'Hate' fits the context of strong dislike for waking up early.
Which sentence expresses the strongest negative feeling?
Which sentence expresses the strongest negative feeling?
'Hate' signifies the most intense negative emotion among the options.
Arrange the words to form a grammatically correct sentence expressing strong dislike.
Arrange these words: spiders / I / hate
This is the standard subject-verb-object structure in English.
Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions'Hate' is a much stronger emotion than 'dislike.' You might dislike a movie, but you hate someone who has hurt you deeply. 'Dislike' implies a mild negative feeling, while 'hate' suggests intense animosity.
Yes, you can hate actions, situations, or objects. For example, you might hate traffic jams, or you might hate the idea of being alone.
Yes, 'hate' is a common word, but because it expresses such a strong emotion, it's often used carefully. In casual conversation, people might use it with some exaggeration, but it's generally reserved for significant negative feelings.
The main opposite of 'hate' is 'love.' Other words that express positive feelings include 'like,' 'adore,' and 'cherish.'
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
amuse
A2To make someone laugh or smile.
anger
A2A strong feeling of annoyance or hostility.
crazy
B1Mad; insane.
cry
A2To produce tears, often because you are sad or hurt.
dear
A2Regarded with deep affection; beloved.
desire
B2To strongly wish for or want something.
dislike
A2To not like someone or something.
dull
A2Lacking interest or excitement.
feel
A1sense emotion
get cold feet
B1This idiom describes the experience of suddenly becoming nervous or uncertain about a significant plan or commitment. It typically implies that someone is losing their courage or reconsidering a major decision right before it is supposed to happen.
