Pronunciation contrast
loath vs loathe
Meaning, pronunciation, and examples
Loath is an adjective meaning unwilling or reluctant. Loathe is a verb meaning to dislike intensely. Their final TH sounds use different voicing.
American English
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Each term has female and male playback at natural speed. Listen without looking, then compare the recordings with the IPA.
Word 1
loath
adjective
Unwilling or reluctant to do something.
US pronunciation
/loʊθ/
UK IPA
/ləʊθ/
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Word 2
loathe
verb
To dislike someone or something intensely.
US pronunciation
/loʊð/
UK IPA
/ləʊð/
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Sound contrast
Switch your voice on for loathe
Place the tongue lightly between the teeth for both endings. Blow air without vocal-cord vibration for loath. Keep the same mouth position but add a throat buzz for loathe.
Direct answer
What is the difference?
Use loath after a linking verb, often in the pattern “be loath to,” when someone is reluctant. Use loathe for the action of strongly disliking someone or something. Loath ends with quiet /θ/, as in thin; loathe ends with vibrating /ð/, as in this.
Listen in context
6 example sentences
Context makes meaning, grammar, and natural rhythm easier to understand. Every sentence has its own playback.
Examples with
loath
- She was loath to abandon the original plan.
- I am loath to interrupt such careful work.
- They seemed loath to discuss the mistake.
Examples with
loathe
- I loathe waiting in long, uncertain queues.
- He came to loathe the daily commute.
- They loathe wasting food that could be shared.
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