4 ms·
Compared to which variety of English? I'm pretty familiar with British, American and Australian English, and I don't think that "hate" is a particularly strong
by hugh3 15y ago
Compared to which variety of English? I'm pretty familiar with British, American and Australian English, and I don't think that "hate" is a particularly strong word in any of 'em.
Depending on context, of course. A far stronger degree of dislike is conveyed by "I hate you" than "I hate lima beans".
- nailer 15y agoIn the US people have recently began using the the term 'hate' as a synonym for 'dislike', confusing not enjoying something (which may involve little regard at all) with caring about it greatly albeit in a negative way.
- hugh3 15y agoThat's neither particularly recent nor particularly US-specific.
- function_seven 15y ago"dislike" has never been a synonym for "apathetic toward." Rather, it is generally used as a polite way of conveying "hate".
- FreakLegion 15y agoThere's no confusion. The two senses of the word don't overlap; they can be used unambiguously in their own contexts. Unless you think people are also "confusing" things when they say "I like my coffee sweet" and "What a sweet little girl"--? Or, I don't know, the ringing of a bell and the ring on your finger? Or a flat object, a flat note, and a flat for rent? This is how language works. Not just English, not just a language. All language. Remember Wittgenstein: "Let the use of words teach you their meaning" (PI 220).