Hate Definition, Examples & Usage

Meaning 1：strongly dislike (hate)

hate 🔊

/heɪt/

To have a very strong feeling of dislike for someone or something, much stronger than just not liking it.

Child making disgusted face at broccoli showing hate expression

strongly dislike 🔊

➕

/strɒŋli dɪsˈlaɪk/

To feel extreme hostility, aversion, or intense dislike toward someone or something.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'hatian', from Proto-Germanic *hatōną; cognate with Old Norse 'hata'.

💡 Mnemonic

Remember 'HATE' as 'Heated Anger Towards Everyone' — a burning feeling of dislike.

📖 Example

As a child, I hated eating broccoli and would always try to hide it under my napkin. 🔊 As a child, I strongly disliked eating broccoli and would always try to conceal it under my napkin.

🔗 Collocations

hate someone with a passion – to dislike someone extremely intensely

hate doing something – to strongly dislike performing a particular action

hate it when – to strongly dislike a specific situation or event

🔄 Synonyms

detest (v.) – To dislike someone or something very much, often with strong disgust.

loathe (v.) – To feel intense aversion or hatred toward someone or something.

abhor (v.) – To regard with extreme repugnance; to hate utterly.

🚫 Antonyms

love (v.) – To feel deep affection or strong positive emotion toward someone or something.

adore (v.) – To love and admire someone or something very much.

cherish (v.) – To hold something dear; to love and care for deeply.

🌱 Derivatives

hatred (n.) – Intense dislike or hostility.

hateful (adj.) – Full of or expressing hate; extremely unpleasant.

hater (n.) – A person who hates or expresses strong dislike, often in a persistent way.

📖 Cultural Story

Old English 'hatian' originally meant 'to be hostile'. Over centuries, it evolved into modern English 'hate', retaining its strong emotional charge. It is now central in discussions of prejudice and intolerance.