detest etymology

Etymology:

  • From Middle English: detesten
  • From Old French: detester
  • From Latin: detestārī ("to curse, abhor")
  • From de- ("down, away") + testārī ("to testify, bear witness")

Meaning:

To feel or express extreme dislike, aversion, or hatred towards something.

Origin:

The word "detest" originated from the Latin verb "detestārī," which means "to curse, abhor, or execrate." The prefix "de-" in Latin means "down" or "away," while the root "testārī" means "to testify" or "bear witness."

In ancient Roman religious ceremonies, "detestārī" was used to invoke divine wrath or condemnation upon someone or something. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to refer to a strong feeling of dislike or aversion towards something.

By the Middle Ages, "detest" had become a common word in English, used to express intense feelings of antipathy or contempt. It is still widely used today, although its usage has become more formal and literary.

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