Détestait

Détestait is the imperfect indicative form of the French verb détester, which translates to "to hate" or "to detest." The imperfect tense in French is used to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past, as well as states of being or descriptions that were true over a period of time in the past. Therefore, "détestait" signifies a past state of hating or detesting something or someone.

For example, in the sentence "Il détestait le lundi matin" (He hated Monday mornings), "détestait" indicates that this aversion to Monday mornings was a regular or ongoing feeling for the subject in the past. It does not describe a single, completed action, but rather a continuous or habitual sentiment. Similarly, "Elle détestait sa nouvelle école" (She detested her new school) implies a persistent feeling of dislike.

The imperfect tense is often contrasted with the passé composé, which describes completed actions in the past. If one were to say "Il a détesté le film" (He hated the film), it would imply a specific, completed feeling of dislike for that particular film. "Détestait," on the other hand, suggests a more enduring or recurring sentiment. Understanding the nuances of the imperfect tense is crucial for accurately interpreting the meaning of "détestait" in French sentences.