What does loth mean?
“Loth” is an old-fashioned English adjective meaning unwilling or reluctant. It is especially familiar from the expression “loth to do something,” as in “loth to admit an error” or “loth to part with a friend.” The word has a distinctly literary sound and is usually encountered in older writing, formal prose, poetry, or speech that imitates an archaic register. Although “loath” is now the more common form, “loth” remains a precise and distinctive alternative, particularly in constructions where reluctance is expressed through an infinitive. Its value is largely stylistic: it immediately suggests a formal, historical, or elevated tone, while retaining the straightforward sense of being disinclined to act.
adjectiveUnwilling or reluctant; disinclined. It is now chiefly literary or archaic and often appears in the expression “loth to do something.”
- Unwilling or reluctant; disinclined to an action or course of conduct.
"She was loth to admit that the journey had been a mistake."
"The old king was loth to surrender his fortress without a fight."
"I was loth to interrupt, but the speaker had already finished."
“Loth” is a concise relic of older English: where modern speech often says “unwilling to,” literature may preserve its elegant “loth to.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does loth come from?
“Loth” comes from Middle English “lothe,” an adjective meaning hateful, unpleasant, or unwilling, and continues Old English “lāþ,” which had related meanings. The word belongs to the same Germanic and Old English family as modern “loathe” and “loath,” while “loathsome” and “loathing” continue the same semantic association with dislike and aversion. Over time, its dominant literary use became the expression “loth to,” meaning unwilling to do something.
How loth is actually used
Literary, archaic, and occasionally deliberately formal. It is most natural in constructions such as “loth to do something”; modern speakers generally use “unwilling,” “reluctant,” or “loath.”
Easily confused with loth
“Loth” is an archaic adjective meaning unwilling or reluctant, while “loath” is its more familiar modern equivalent and is also used in the phrase “loath to do something.”
“Loth” describes reluctance, whereas “loathe” is a verb meaning to dislike something intensely or refuse to accept it.