I wish people would not use "despise" as if its meaning were identical with that of "hate".
To despise means not only to have a strong dislike, but also to have contempt for someone or something.
- I not only hate MAGA supporters, I despise them too.
- I hate this cold spell we're having.
To my ear, "I despise this cold spell we're having" sounds wrong; how can one feel disdain for the weather?




