Adjective
/deteˈtable/
"Detestable" is an adjective used in the Spanish language to describe something that is extremely unpleasant, loathsome, or deserving of hatred. It can be applied to people, actions, behaviors, or situations that provoke strong disapproval or aversion.
In terms of frequency of use, "detestable" is more likely to be found in written contexts, such as literature, formal writing, and discussions about ethics or morality. However, it can also appear in everyday speech, particularly in emotionally charged conversations.
"Su comportamiento era tan detestable que nadie quería estar cerca de él."
"His behavior was so detestable that no one wanted to be near him."
"La forma en que trató a sus compañeros fue realmente detestable."
"The way he treated his colleagues was truly detestable."
"Detestable es el acto de traicionar a un amigo."
"Betraying a friend is detestable."
While "detestable" is not typically a part of many idiomatic expressions, it may occasionally appear alongside expressions that convey strong negative sentiments. Here are some examples:
"Detestable como una traición."
"Detestable as a betrayal."
"Es detestable vivir con personas negativas."
"It is detestable to live with negative people."
"Lo más detestable de su actitud es la hipocresía."
"The most detestable thing about his attitude is the hypocrisy."
"Es un hecho detestable que algunas personas se aprovechen de los débiles."
"It is a detestable fact that some people take advantage of the weak."
The word "detestable" comes from the Latin root "detestabilis," which means "to be hated" or "worthy of hatred," stemming from "detestari," meaning "to detest." The prefix "de-" suggests a sense of removal or opposition, and "testari" relates to witnessing or testifying, thus compounding to relate to something that witnesses strong aversion.