What is loathing? Pronunciation and usage in English

loathing means . Learn how to pronounce and use loathing through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of loathing

loathingnoun

/ˈləʊðɪŋ//ˈləʊðɪŋ/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "loathing." It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown with phonetic guide and tips:

Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ˈloʊɪŋ/

Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • lo: Sounds like "low" - like the feeling of cold air. (rhymes with "go")
  • i: Pronounced like the "i" in "bit" or "sit." (short "i" sound)
  • ng: This is a nasal sound, like the "ng" in "sing" or "ring." It’s made by letting the sound of "ng" resonate in your nose.

Putting it Together – A Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. "lo": Say "low."
  2. "i": Add a short "i" sound: "low-i"
  3. "ng": Finish with the nasal "ng" sound: “low-i-ng”

Tips for Getting It Right:

  • Nasal Resonance: The key to the "ng" is to allow the sound to vibrate in your nose. You'll feel a slight tingling sensation in your nose. Don't pronounce it as a hard "ng" like in "sing."
  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("lo"). Make that syllable slightly louder and longer than the rest.
  • Listen to Examples: The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are some resources:

To help me tailor the explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • Are you having particular trouble with a specific part of the word (like the "ng")?

Usage and examples with the word loathing in English

Let's break down how to use the word "loathing" in English. It's a powerful word that expresses a very strong feeling of dislike. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. Meaning:

  • Core Definition: “Loathing” means a feeling of intense disgust, hatred, or aversion. It’s far more intense than simply “disliking” something. It suggests a visceral, almost physical reaction of revulsion.
  • Stronger than Hate: While “hate” is a common word for intense dislike, “loathing” implies a deeper feeling – a profound and often irrational aversion.

2. How to Use It – Grammar & Structure:

  • Noun: Most commonly, "loathing" is used as a noun - referring to the feeling itself.
    • Example: “She felt a surge of loathing when she saw the mess.”
    • Example: "His loathing for the politician was palpable."
  • Verb (Less Common): It can be used as a verb, but it's less frequent and often feels somewhat literary or dramatic. It means to feel intense disgust or aversion.
    • Example: “He was loathing the idea of going back to that town.” (This is grammatically correct but sounds a bit formal.)
    • Example: "She began to loathe his constant complaining."

3. Examples in Sentences – Showing Different Contexts:

  • Describing a Person/Situation:

    • “He felt a deep loathing for his former boss, fueled by years of mistreatment.”
    • “The sight of the spoiled food filled her with loathing.”
    • “A wave of loathing washed over him when he realized what she’d done.”

  • Expressing a Reaction:

    • “I felt a sudden loathing for the taste of the dish – it was utterly awful.”
    • “There was loathing in his eyes as he listened to the betrayal.”

  • More Dramatic/Figurative Use:

    • “He was consumed by loathing, a dark and consuming force within him.” (This is a more poetic way to describe the intensity.)

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Revulsion
  • Disgust
  • Aversion
  • Abhorrence
  • Hatred (though “hatred” can be more conscious and often involves a desire for harm)

5. Important Notes:

  • Intensity: “Loathing” is a high-impact word. Don’t use it casually. Reserve it for situations where you genuinely want to convey a very strong negative feeling.
  • Irony/Sarcasm: It can be used ironically, but it’s best when the contrast between the tone and the word is clear. Be careful – it can easily be misunderstood.

Resources to Explore:

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples of specific contexts where “loathing” would be appropriate?
  • Help you brainstorm sentences using "loathing"?
  • Discuss how it differs from other words like "dislike," "hate," or "disgust"?

Synonyms for the word loathing

Practice with vocabulary loathing

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The CEO expressed his profound ______ for unethical business practices, vowing to implement stricter compliance measures.
  2. Despite their initial disagreements, the team eventually developed a deep ______ for each other's professional expertise.
  3. Many citizens felt a deep ______ towards the corrupt government officials who had embezzled public funds.
  4. She had an inexplicable ______ to public speaking, despite being highly articulate in one-on-one conversations.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following emotions would best describe an intense, deep-seated hatred for a morally reprehensible act or person? a) Annoyance b) Dislike c) Loathing d) Resentment e) Abhorrence

  2. After the controversial decision, the public's feelings ranged from mild disapproval to outright ______, particularly among those directly affected. a) Indignation b) Amusement c) Ambivalence d) Apathy e) Disagreement

  3. The critics showed nothing but utter ______ for the poorly written script and amateurish performances, tearing the production apart in their reviews. a) Admiration b) Adulation c) Contempt d) Scorn e) Loathing

  4. Despite working together for years, their relationship was marked by a constant undercurrent of ______, fueled by past betrayals and professional rivalry. a) Rapport b) Cordiality c) Harmony d) Antagonism e) Camaraderie

  5. The victim's testimony conveyed her profound ______ for the perpetrator, a feeling that had only intensified with time. a) Appreciation b) Loathing c) Reverence d) Veneration e) Detestation

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. He found the politician's hypocrisy utterly despicable and repulsive. (Rewrite using a form of "loathing")

  2. The environmental agency expressed its strong condemnation of the company's blatant disregard for pollution regulations. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word, but NOT "loathing")

  3. The oppressive policies enacted by the regime made many citizens feel intense hatred and disgust. (Rewrite using a form of "loathing")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. loathing
  2. respect
  3. loathing
  4. aversion

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Loathing, e) Abhorrence
  2. a) Indignation
  3. c) Contempt, d) Scorn, e) Loathing
  4. d) Antagonism
  5. b) Loathing, e) Detestation

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. He felt profound loathing for the politician's hypocrisy.
  2. The environmental agency expressed its strong abhorrence of the company's blatant disregard for pollution regulations.
  3. Many citizens developed a deep loathing for the oppressive policies enacted by the regime.

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