Are you confused about the difference between detestable and detest? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. Let’s take a closer look.
Detestable and detest are both verbs that describe a strong feeling of dislike or hatred. However, detestable is an adjective that describes something as deserving of hatred or disgust. Detest, on the other hand, is a verb that describes the act of feeling intense dislike or hatred towards something or someone.
For example, if you say that a person is detestable, you are saying that they are worthy of being hated or despised. If you say that you detest a particular food, you are saying that you have a strong aversion to it.
In this article, we will explore the differences between detestable and detest in more detail, and examine some common usage examples for each word.
Define Detestable
Detestable is an adjective used to describe something or someone that is deserving of intense dislike or hatred. It implies a strong feeling of aversion or repugnance towards the object or person in question. The term is often associated with things that are considered morally reprehensible, offensive, or abhorrent. Detestable can also be used to describe actions, ideas, or behaviors that are deemed unacceptable or objectionable by society or a particular group of people.
For example, a detestable act could be something like animal cruelty or child abuse, while a detestable person could be a serial killer or a corrupt politician.
Define Detest
Detest is a verb that means to feel intense dislike or hatred towards something or someone. It is a strong and negative emotion that is often accompanied by feelings of anger, disgust, or contempt. Unlike detestable, which is an adjective used to describe something, detest is an action that is taken by an individual.
For instance, one might detest a particular food or a particular person for their actions or behavior. The feeling of detest can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as personal experiences, cultural norms, or moral values.
It is important to note that detest is a strong emotion that can have serious consequences if not managed properly. It is essential to express one’s feelings in a constructive and respectful manner to avoid hurting others or causing harm.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the correct word in a sentence is crucial to convey the intended meaning. In this section, we will discuss how to use the words detestable and detest in a sentence.
How To Use Detestable In A Sentence
Detestable is an adjective that describes something or someone as deserving intense dislike or hatred. Here are a few examples of how to use detestable in a sentence:
- The detestable odor coming from the garbage can made me gag.
- I find it detestable when people talk on their cell phones during a movie.
- The politician’s detestable behavior caused him to lose the election.
As you can see, detestable is used to describe something that is highly unpleasant or offensive.
How To Use Detest In A Sentence
Detest is a verb that means to dislike intensely or loathe. Here are a few examples of how to use detest in a sentence:
- I detest the taste of licorice.
- She detests going to the dentist.
- He detests the cold weather and prefers to live in a warmer climate.
Detest is used to describe a feeling of strong dislike or hatred towards something or someone.
Remember, using detestable and detest correctly in a sentence is important to convey the intended meaning. Use detestable when describing something that is highly unpleasant or offensive, and use detest when describing a feeling of strong dislike or hatred towards something or someone.
More Examples Of Detestable & Detest Used In Sentences
In this section, we will explore more examples of how to use the words “detestable” and “detest” in a sentence. These examples will help you to better understand the nuances of each word and how they can be used in different contexts.
Examples Of Using Detestable In A Sentence
- The detestable smell of rotten eggs filled the room.
- His behavior towards his employees was detestable and unacceptable.
- The politician’s detestable actions caused outrage among the public.
- The movie was filled with detestable characters who had no redeeming qualities.
- She found the idea of eating bugs to be detestable.
- The company’s treatment of its workers was detestable and unethical.
- The detestable act of animal cruelty should not be tolerated.
- His detestable attitude towards women was a cause for concern.
- The thought of spending another minute with him was detestable.
- The smell of burning rubber was detestable and made her nauseous.
Examples Of Using Detest In A Sentence
- I detest the way he always interrupts me when I’m speaking.
- She detests the taste of coffee and prefers tea instead.
- He detests the idea of working for a big corporation and prefers to work for himself.
- The thought of eating sushi makes me detest the idea of trying it.
- She detests the way he always leaves his dirty clothes on the floor.
- He detests the sound of nails on a chalkboard and cringes every time he hears it.
- They detest the idea of leaving their hometown and moving to a big city.
- The politician detests the idea of compromising on his beliefs for the sake of winning an election.
- She detests the way he always talks down to her and treats her like a child.
- He detests the thought of having to attend another boring meeting.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “detest” and “detestable,” there are some common mistakes that people tend to make. These mistakes can lead to confusion and miscommunication, so it’s important to understand the differences between these two words and how to use them correctly.
Interchanging “Detest” And “Detestable”
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “detest” and “detestable” interchangeably. While these two words are related, they have distinct meanings and should not be used in place of each other.
“Detest” is a verb that means to dislike intensely or hate. It is typically used to describe a feeling or emotion towards a person, thing, or situation. For example:
- “I detest the way he treats his employees.”
- “She detests the taste of cilantro.”
“Detestable,” on the other hand, is an adjective that describes something that is deserving of intense dislike or hatred. It is used to describe a characteristic or quality of a person, thing, or situation. For example:
- “His detestable behavior towards his employees is unacceptable.”
- “The taste of cilantro is detestable to her.”
As you can see, while “detest” and “detestable” are related, they are not interchangeable. Using them incorrectly can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.
Tips For Avoiding Mistakes
To avoid making these common mistakes, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Remember that “detest” is a verb and “detestable” is an adjective.
- Use “detest” to describe a feeling or emotion towards a person, thing, or situation.
- Use “detestable” to describe a characteristic or quality of a person, thing, or situation.
- When in doubt, consult a dictionary or thesaurus to ensure you are using the correct word.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid common mistakes and use “detest” and “detestable” correctly in your writing and communication.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “detestable” and “detest,” context plays a crucial role. Both words convey a sense of strong dislike or aversion, but the nuances of their meanings are different and can affect how they are used in various contexts.
Detestable
The word “detestable” is an adjective that describes something or someone as deserving of intense dislike or hatred. It implies a deep-seated revulsion or abhorrence towards the subject. For example, one might use “detestable” to describe a heinous crime or a despicable act of cruelty. The word suggests that the object of detestation is inherently and universally repugnant, regardless of the context.
Detest
The verb “detest,” on the other hand, is a more flexible term that can be used in a wider range of contexts. It means to feel intense dislike or aversion towards something or someone. Unlike “detestable,” “detest” does not necessarily imply that the object of dislike is inherently or universally repugnant. Instead, it can be used to express a personal preference or opinion. For example, one might say “I detest broccoli” or “I detest reality TV shows.”
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of how the choice between “detestable” and “detest” might depend on the context:
- Moral judgment: When making a moral judgment about an action or behavior, “detestable” may be more appropriate. For example, “The use of child soldiers is a detestable practice.”
- Personal preference: When expressing a personal preference or opinion, “detest” may be more suitable. For example, “I detest the taste of cilantro.”
- Formality: When writing in a formal or academic context, “detestable” may be preferred for its stronger connotation. For example, “The author’s use of racial slurs in the novel is detestable.”
- Everyday conversation: When speaking casually in everyday conversation, either “detestable” or “detest” could be used depending on the speaker’s preference. For example, “I really detest spiders” or “I find spiders detestable.”
Ultimately, the choice between “detestable” and “detest” depends on the specific context and the intended meaning. Understanding the nuances of these words can help writers and speakers choose the most appropriate term for their intended message.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the usage of detestable and detest is fairly straightforward, there are certain exceptions where the general rules might not apply. These exceptions are worth noting to avoid any confusion and to ensure that the right word is used in the right context.
1. Historical Context
One exception to the rules for using detestable and detest is when describing something in a historical context. In some cases, a word that might be considered detestable or detest in modern times might have had a different connotation in the past.
For example, the word “witch” might be considered detestable in modern times due to its association with persecution and discrimination. However, in the past, the word might have been used more neutrally to describe someone who practiced witchcraft or herbalism.
2. Cultural Differences
Another exception to the rules for using detestable and detest is when considering cultural differences. Words that might be considered detestable in one culture might not carry the same connotation in another culture.
For example, the word “spicy” might be considered detestable by someone who is not accustomed to eating spicy food. However, in cultures where spicy food is common, the word might be used more neutrally to describe a dish.
3. Personal Preferences
Finally, an exception to the rules for using detestable and detest is when considering personal preferences. Words that might be considered detestable or detest by one person might not be viewed the same way by another person.
For example, the word “clowns” might be considered detestable by someone who has a fear of clowns. However, for someone who enjoys circus performances, the word might not carry the same negative connotation.
While the rules for using detestable and detest are generally straightforward, it is important to consider any exceptions that might apply in specific contexts. By keeping these exceptions in mind, we can ensure that we are using the right word to accurately convey our intended meaning.
Practice Exercises
Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between detestable and detest, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your usage of these two words:
Exercise 1
Fill in the blank with either detestable or detest:
- Many people find the taste of durian to be ________.
- The politician’s actions were ________ and caused outrage among the public.
- Despite his flaws, I cannot help but ________ my brother.
- The movie was so bad that it was ________.
- Some people ________ the idea of eating insects, while others find it perfectly normal.
Answer key:
- detestable
- detestable
- detest
- detestable
- detest
Exercise 2
Write a sentence using detestable and another using detest:
- Detestable: The company’s treatment of its employees was absolutely detestable.
- Detest: I detest the smell of cigarette smoke.
Explanation:
By using detestable in the first sentence, the writer is emphasizing the severity of the company’s actions. In the second sentence, detest is used to express a personal dislike for the smell of cigarette smoke.
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your ability to use detestable and detest in context. Remember, detestable is used to describe something that is deserving of hatred or disgust, while detest is used to express personal dislike or hatred towards something or someone.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between detestable and detest, it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and usage in the English language. Detestable is an adjective used to describe something that is highly offensive or repugnant, while detest is a verb used to express a strong dislike or hatred towards something or someone.
It is important to use these words correctly in order to convey the intended meaning in communication. Misusing these words can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the message being conveyed.
Key Takeaways:
- Detestable is an adjective used to describe something that is highly offensive or repugnant.
- Detest is a verb used to express a strong dislike or hatred towards something or someone.
- Using these words correctly is important for clear communication.
As with any aspect of language and grammar, there is always more to learn. Continuing to expand your knowledge and understanding of the English language can lead to improved communication and more effective writing.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.