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Understanding the difference between commonly confused words will help you avoid making errors in English usage. Let’s examine the difference between the following:
loath
Loath is an adjective meaning reluctant, disinclined, averse, or unwilling. Loath is followed by to: you are loath to do something. The variant spelling loth is occasionally used in British English but very rarely in American English.
loathe
Loathe is a verb meaning to dislike intensely, to hate, or to regard with disgust. Loathe isn’t followed by to: you simply loathe something.
Here’s a sentence that uses both words correctly:
Alex is loath to serve broccoli to his children because he knows they loathe it.The th sound is pronounced differently in the two words: loath rhymes with oath, while loathe rhymes with clothe.
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