The difference between loath and loathe (grammar lesson)


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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'.