What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
detested
Example
I detest the way he treats his employees. [detest: verb]
Example
The smell of fish makes me feel detested. [detested: adjective]
despise
Example
I despise liars and cheaters. [despise: verb]
Example
She looked at him with a look of pure despise. [despise: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Despise is more commonly used than detest in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between detested and despise?
Despise is more formal than detest, making it more appropriate for use in formal contexts such as academic writing or professional communication.
