What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abhor
Example
I abhor the idea of animal cruelty. [abhor: verb]
Example
The smell of rotten eggs makes me abhor them. [abhor: verb]
Example
Abhorring violence is a fundamental principle of our organization. [abhorring: present participle]
despise
Example
I despise people who lie. [despise: verb]
Example
She despised the taste of cilantro. [despised: past tense]
Example
Despising authority figures is a common trait among rebellious teenagers. [despising: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Despise is more commonly used than abhor in everyday language. Abhor is a less common and more formal word that is typically reserved for more serious or weighty situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between abhor and despise?
Abhor is a more formal word than despise, and is typically used in more serious or weighty situations. Despise is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
