Detest Meaning in English

word

US

/diˈtɛst/, /dɪˈtɛst/

dee-TEST or dih-TEST

UK

/dɪtˈɛst/

dih-TEST

Definition

To strongly dislike or hate something or someone.

Usage & Nuances

'Detest' is much stronger and more formal than 'dislike.' It is often used in writing or polite speech instead of 'hate.' Common with activities ('detest waiting'), foods, or behaviors. Rarely used for people in casual conversation.

• Spanish: detestar - odiar (muy fuerte)
• Portuguese (BR): detestar - odiar (muito forte)
• Portuguese (PT): detestar - odiar (muito forte)
• Chinese (Simplified): 厭惡 - 憎恨
• Chinese (Traditional): 厭惡 - 憎恨
• Hindi: घृणा करना - बेहद नापसंद करना
• Arabic: يكره بشدة - يمقت
• Bengali: ঘৃণা করা - খুব অপছন্দ করা
• Russian: ненавидеть - испытывать отвращение
• Japanese: ひどく嫌う
• Vietnamese: ghét cay ghét đắng - cực kỳ ghét
• Korean: 몹시 싫어하다 - 혐오하다
• Turkish: nefret etmek - tiksinmek
• Urdu: شدید نفرت کرنا - سخت ناپسند کرنا
• Indonesian: sangat membenci - amat tidak suka

Example Sentences

I detest cold weather.

basic

She detests lying to her friends.

basic

Many children detest eating vegetables.

basic

I absolutely detest waiting in long lines at the bank.

natural

Dogs love swimming, but my cat detests getting wet.

natural

He detests being told what to do—he likes making his own choices.

natural