Definition and meaning of English word "hate"
hate
/heɪt/
Meaning
VerbTo feel intense or passionate dislike for (someone or something).
How to use
The verb 'hate' expresses a strong or intense dislike, as in 'I hate waiting in line.' It is often used informally to describe strong preferences, not just deep hostility, e.g. 'I hate Mondays.' In more formal or serious contexts, 'hate' can refer to real animosity, as in 'hate speech' or 'hate crime'. Learners should note 'hate' is followed directly by a noun or a gerund ('hate doing something'), not an infinitive with 'to' in casual speech, though 'hate to do something' is also correct.
🇬🇧 English
hate
Example
I hate this movie.
I hate waiting.
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Common phrases
- hate crime— a crime motivated by hatred or prejudice
- hate speech— language that is intended to incite hatred or violence
- hate group— a group of people who share a common hatred or prejudice
- hate mail— abusive or threatening messages sent to someone
- hate literature— writing that promotes hatred or violence
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This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #129 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "hate" mean?▼
The English word "hate" means "hate" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "hate"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "hate" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "hate"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "I hate this movie." (which translates as "hate").
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