Words / C2

LOHTH/ləʊθ/

Loath means unwilling (loath to do something): loath to admit it, loath to sign. Reluctant and unwilling (already in the dictionary) are everyday. Loathe (already in the dictionary) is the verb “hate” — the lookalike trap, with a different final consonant; averse is the close twin of distaste. Be loath to circulate draft grades; that is policy, not mood.

Meaning

Unwilling or reluctant (loath to do something).

Examples

• “Be loath to circulate draft grades; that is the embargo, not a mood.”
• “Reluctant is everyday (already in B2). Unwilling is plain. Loathe is to hate (already in C1) — the mix-up. A dated embargo is a yes or a no. Hesitation dressed as “culture” is how a leak starts. Keep the grades in; then discuss tone.”

Good to know

Unwilling (loath to). Everyday: reluctant / unwilling (already in this dictionary). Mix-up: loathe (to hate — already in C1). An embargo is not a feeling.

Near in meaning

reluctant, unwilling, averse, disinclined

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