er, where does it say it's a synonym? etymology isn't the same, you know. oh, silly, me - of course you don't know.
Hate to say it, but Scrapheap's right.
'fraid not, pea.
Tell that to dictionary.com.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/loathe
oh gods - don't use that dictionary. it's shite. and is american.
That's a blanket statement, not concrete proof.
That's unlike you, Vivi. You usually come up with a thesis before you argue about something. Statements such as "It's shite" and "It's American" are beneath your standards.
And most people would disagree with your lexicographic point-of-view due to its impracticality, and being practical is not a bad thing.
not much point in my arguing it then, is there? but i do wonder if most people even think about etymology, let alone study it. (not that i'm obsessed, or anything.
).
the meaning of the word "loathe" has changed,
vis:
"
loathe (verb. trans.)
Formerly, gorw weary of; feel aversion or dislike for.
Now, have an intense aversion for; regard with utter abhorrence and disgust; detest."
(my itals.).
"
hate Have feelings of hostility or strong antipathy towards."
both from William R. Trumble, Angus Stevenson (Eds.): Shorter Oxford English Dictionary (Fifth edition), Volume One A-M, (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002).
so (and this answers dawg's question, too), it's a matter of degree - even of intensity, if you like.
the question of attractive/repulsive forces (which is where i came in) is more of a psychological one, and i'll be fucked if i can remember the reference for it. so you'll just have to wait until i have the time (and inclination) to do so. soz.
