Loath or Loathe?

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What Is the Difference between "Loath" and "Loathe"?

"Loath" and "Loathe" are easy to confuse because they both describe negativity towards something.

• "Loath" means "unwilling."
• He is loath to take a bath.
("Loath" is followed by "to." It rhymes with "both.")
• "Loathe" means "to hate."
• Dexter loathes bath night.
("Loathe" is not followed by "to." It rhymes with "betroth.")

Listen to how "loath" and "loathe" are pronounced:

More about Loath and Loathe

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."

Example sentences with "loathe":

• 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."

Example sentences with "loath":

• 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.
(This should be "loath.")

Top Tip

• "Loath" is always followed by "to."
• "Loathe" is never followed by "to."

Confusion Also Occurs in Speech

People confuse "loath" and "loathe" even when talking. This will help:

• "Loath" ends in a hard "th" sound. It rhymes with "oath" or "both."
• "Loathe" ends in a soft "th" sound. It rhymes with "betroth."

Ready for the Test?