loath
UK[ləʊθ]US[loʊθ]
adj
unwilling or reluctant to do something
Etymology
the word 'loath' originates from the old english 'lāth', which carried the strong sense of being hateful or hostile. this term is part of a deep germanic family, related to old high german 'leid' (sorrowful) and old norse 'leiðr' (hateful). over time, its meaning softened from describing an active quality of being repulsive to describing a passive internal state of strong aversion or reluctance. the modern sense of being unwilling or reluctant preserves this core idea of a powerful, often instinctive, dislike.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form. it is derived from the old english adjective 'lāth', meaning 'hateful, repulsive'.
Examples
she was loath to admit she had made a mistake.
he is loath to give up his independence.
i am loath to spend so much money on something we might not need.