01
die Abneigung
aversion
A strong feeling of reluctance, dislike, or antipathy toward a person, thing, or activity.
example
Sie hegt eine tiefe Abneigung gegen unehrliche Menschen.
She harbors a deep aversion to dishonest people.
die Abneigung
aversion
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the prefix 'ab-' (away) and the verb 'neigen' (to tend/lean). An 'Abneigung' (aversion) is therefore literally a 'leaning away' from something or someone.
EXAMPLE
Er neigt dazu, bei Stress zu viel zu essen.
He tends to eat too much when stressed.
Fixed preposition
'Abneigung' (aversion) is always directed 'gegen' (against/toward) a person or thing. This preposition takes the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe eine starke Abneigung gegen Spinnen.
I have a strong aversion to spiders.
Typical verbs
'Abneigung' (aversion) is often combined with verbs that express a feeling. Typical phrases are 'eine Abneigung haben' (to have an aversion), 'eine Abneigung empfinden' (to feel an aversion), or the somewhat elevated 'eine Abneigung hegen' (to harbor an aversion).
EXAMPLE
Er empfindet eine tiefe Abneigung gegen laute Musik.
He feels a deep aversion to loud music.
Compare with
Abneigung vs Hass
hatred
'der Hass' and 'die Abneigung' both describe a negative feeling toward a person, thing, or activity. 'Abneigung' means that you clearly do not like something or feel aversion. This can be strong, but it is usually less extreme than 'Hass'. 'Hass' is much more intense and hostile. The words can be confused because both express rejection. In everyday life, 'Abneigung' is often more precise when you simply do not like something; 'Hass' only fits with very strong, deep hostility.
Abneigung
Seit dem Unfall hat er eine Abneigung gegen schnelle Autos.
Since the accident, he has had an aversion to fast cars.
Hass
Zwischen den beiden Familien herrschte jahrelang tiefer Hass.
There was deep hatred between the two families for years.
In real life
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