What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Detest vs Distain - What's the difference?

detest | distain |

As verbs the difference between detest and distain

is that detest is to dislike intensely; to loathe while distain is (rare) to stain, discolour or tarnish.

detest

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • To dislike intensely; to loathe.
    • I detest snakes.
    Who dares think one thing, and another tell, / My heart detests him as the gates of hell. — Pope.
  • (obsolete) To witness against; to denounce; to condemn.
    • The heresy of Nestorius was detested in the Eastern churches. — Fuller.
    God hath detested them with his own mouth. — Bale.

    Usage notes

    * This is a catenative verb that takes the gerund (-ing) . See

    Synonyms

    * See also

    Related terms

    * detestable * detestation

    See also

    * abhor * despise * disdain * dislike * hate * loathe

    External links

    * *

    Anagrams

    *

    distain

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (rare) To stain, discolour or tarnish