detesten

Detesten is a verb form in Spanish derived from the verb detestar, meaning to hate or strongly dislike. It is the present subjunctive form used with the third person plural (ellos/ellas/ustedes) and also serves as the formal second-person plural command in its imperative sense. As a subjunctive form, detesten appears in subordinate clauses after verbs or expressions that express doubt, possibility, emotion, or evaluation, for example: “Espero que ustedes detesten esas mentiras.” In its imperative usage, detesten functions as a polite command addressed to a group: “Detesten la propaganda.”

Morphology and usage notes: detesten is a regular ending for this verb in the present subjunctive. The present indicative form is detestan, which denotes a simple, factual dislike. The other common forms related to detestar include detestando (gerund) and detestado (past participle). The form detesten is identical for ustedes and ellos in the subjunctive, while in Spain the informal second-person plural present subjunctive is detestéis rather than detesten, reflecting regional variation. The negative command uses the same form with no detachment, as in “No detesten la idea.”

Etymology and context: detestar originates from Latin detestare, and the Spanish verb detestar has spread across the Spanish-speaking world. Detesten, as a grammatical form, is primarily a tool for nuanced mood and politeness, enabling speakers to express wishes, doubts, or recommendations, or to issue formal instructions to a group.