What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hater
Example
Don't pay attention to the haters, they're just jealous. [hater: noun]
Example
She's always hating on other people's success. [hating: gerund or present participle]
detractor
Example
The detractors of the new policy claim it will do more harm than good. [detractors: noun]
Example
He's always detracting from other people's achievements. [detracting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hater is more commonly used in everyday language, especially in informal contexts such as social media. Detractor is less common but is more likely to be used in formal writing or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hater and detractor?
Detractor is more formal than hater, making it a better choice for professional or academic writing. However, both words should be used with caution as they have a negative connotation and can come across as unprofessional or disrespectful if used inappropriately.
