The spelling of the phrase "are loath" can be confusing, as the pronunciation does not match the spelling. The word "loath" is pronounced as /loʊθ/ (loath) with a voiced th sound. The spelling of "loath" can be traced back to the Old English word "lāð," meaning "hostile, unfriendly." When combined with "are," the phrase means "are unwilling or hesitant." Despite the inconsistent spelling and pronunciation, "are loath" remains a commonly used phrase in written and spoken English.
Are loath is a phrase derived from the adjective loath, which means to be unwilling or reluctant to do something. The phrase "are loath" is often used to express a strong aversion or dislike towards a particular action or task. It implies a lack of enthusiasm or eagerness in engaging with the said activity.
When someone says they "are loath" to do something, they are indicating their strong reluctance or disinclination to proceed with it. It suggests that they feel a sense of unease, discomfort, or dissatisfaction towards the task or action in question.
The phrase "are loath" often conveys a passive resistance or a feeling of being forced to perform an undesired obligation. It implies a preference for avoiding the action altogether if given the choice. This phrase is frequently used in formal or written contexts to express one's reluctance in a polite manner.
It should be noted that "are loath" is a present tense form using the plural pronoun "are" mainly when discussing general sentiments or group opinions. However, it can also be used with other pronouns (e.g., I am loath, she is loath), adjusting the verb form accordingly.
The phrase "are loath" is a combination of two words, "are" and "loath". Here's the etymology of each word separately:
1. Are: The word "are" is the present indicative plural form of the verb "be" in modern English. Its etymology can be traced back to the Old English word "eart", which was the second person singular form of the verb, meaning "thou art" or "you are". The Old English word can be further traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*ar-t", meaning "are" or "is".
2. Loath: The word "loath" comes from the Old English term "lāþ", which means "hostile" or "hateful". It can also be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*laiþa-" meaning "hateful" or "displeasing".