loath and loathe - the difference

Free grammar tips, lessons and tests			Recommended purchases
This site: Grammar Monster on line	Daily tips with Grammar Monster's gadget	Daily tips with Grammar Monster on Twitter	The best grammar reference books	Grammar Monster off line	The only grammar checker we'll endorse
Common grammar errors Easily confused words Grammar terms & definitions Grammar tests Grammar lessons Search this site

LOATH / LOATHE

To loathe means 'to hate'. Loath means 'unwilling'.

Writers occasionally confuse 'loath' and 'loathe'. Their meanings are related as they both relate to not liking something.

Loathe

Loathe is a verb meaning 'to hate'. In fact, many consider it even stronger than 'to hate'. It can also be translated as 'to hate intensely'.

Examples:

She will eat just about anything, but she loathes celery.

I loved the Army as an institution and loathed every single thing it required me to do.

Loath

Loath is an adjective meaning 'unwilling'.

Examples:

She is loath to join, because her friends play for a rival team.

Magazines and newspapers are loath to discuss these types of deals
publicly.

At daybreak, when loathe to rise, have this thought in thy mind: I am rising for a man's work.

(should be 'loath')

Select the correct version:

EVEN IN SPEECH

People confuse loathe and loath even when talking. Note:

Loathe ends in a soft 'th' sound. It rhymes with 'betroth'.

Loath ends in a hard 'th' sound. It rhymes with the 'oath' or 'both'.

Associated lessons:

What are adjectives?
What are verbs?
List of easily confused words