execration
C2Formal/Literary
Definition
Meaning
The act of cursing or expressing intense loathing.
A formal curse; something that is intensely hated or detested; a strong expression of hatred or disgust.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. Often implies a formal or ritualistic act of cursing, not just casual dislike. Carries a strong emotional and moral weight, suggesting profound hatred or condemnation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare and formal in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly negative; associated with archaic or biblical language, formal denunciation, or extreme literary disdain.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both dialects, used primarily in literary, historical, or highly formal/emphatic contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to be an object of execrationto utter/pronounce execration againstto heap/pour execration onto feel execration forVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “be held in execration”
- “a byword for execration”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Extremely rare; possibly in hyperbolic language describing a failed product or strategy: 'The new policy became an object of execration among the staff.'
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or religious studies discussing curses, social ostracism, or moral condemnation.
Everyday
Almost never used in casual conversation; would sound archaic or excessively dramatic.
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The old king was execrated in verse and pamphlets for his tyranny.
American English
- Historians execrate the regime for its brutal policies.
adverb
British English
- He spoke execratively of his former allies.
American English
- She glared at him execratively across the room.
adjective
British English
- He shot her an execratory glance.
American English
- The speech was filled with execratory language.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His betrayal made him an object of execration in his hometown.
- The crowd's cheers turned to execration when the champion was disqualified.
- The dictator's name was uttered with execration for generations after his fall.
- The poem is a powerful execration of war and its futility.
- In medieval times, formal execration could be a form of social and religious exile.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of EXECRATE + ION. 'EXECRATE' sounds like 'X' (as in cross out/eliminate) + 'CRATE'. Imagine violently 'X-ing out' a crate of something you intensely hate, turning the action (execrate) into a noun (execration).
Conceptual Metaphor
HATRED IS A CURSE (a spoken, performative act that harms the target).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'executive' (руководящий).
- Не является прямым синонимом 'ненависть' (hatred) — 'execration' подразумевает акт проклятия или публичного осуждения.
- Более узкое и формальное, чем 'проклятие' (curse), часто с ритуальным оттенком.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with 'excretion'.
- Using it as a verb (the verb is 'execrate').
- Using it in informal contexts where 'hatred' or 'disgust' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'execration' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, formal word used primarily in literary, historical, or highly emphatic contexts.
The verb is 'to execrate', meaning to feel or express intense loathing for; to curse.
'Hatred' is a general feeling of intense dislike. 'Execration' specifically implies expressing that hatred, often in the form of a formal curse or strong verbal condemnation.
Potentially, but only in a self-consciously exaggerated or ironic way, due to its archaic and severe tone (e.g., 'My toddler views broccoli with utter execration').