Repulsive: Definition and Synonyms
repulsive – Definition and Part of Speech
The word repulsive is primarily used as an adjective to describe something that induces a strong feeling of disgust or aversion. It often applies to things perceived as offensive, unpleasant, or distasteful, either physically or morally.
Grammatical Forms
As an adjective, repulsive describes characteristics of nouns. For example:
- A repulsive odor.
- Repulsive behavior.
Core Synonyms
Below is a table of key synonyms for the word repulsive, highlighting their nuances and usage:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revolting | Strongly offensive to the senses or mind | “The revolting sight made her feel sick to her stomach.” | Informal, Intense |
| Distasteful | Unpleasant but not necessarily causing strong disgust | “His comment was quite distasteful and inappropriate for a formal event.” | Formal/Casual |
| Obnoxious | Highly offensive or annoying | “The obnoxious odor lingered long after everyone had left the room.” | Informal, Casual |
| Repugnant | Inspiring intense aversion or disgust | “His actions were completely repugnant to her sense of morality.” | Formal/Academic |
| Disgusting | Causing a strong feeling of dislike or disapproval | “The idea of eating worms is disgusting to most people.” | Informal, Casual |
Usage Notes
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Revolting: Best used when you want to convey a deep-seated disgust. Suitable for informal contexts where emphasis on the intensity of revulsion is needed.
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Distasteful: Appropriate in situations where something offends personal taste or social etiquette, often used more formally than disgusting.
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Obnoxious: Often applied to behaviors or characteristics that are annoying and unpleasant. This synonym works well in casual conversation.
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Repugnant: Frequently found in formal writing or speech due to its strong negative connotations concerning ethics or morals. Suitable for academic papers discussing moral issues.
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Disgusting: A versatile word applicable to both physical disgust and situations considered morally repulsive. It fits most informal contexts, such as everyday conversation.
Common Pitfalls
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Confusion Between Synonyms: Words like distasteful and disgusting might seem interchangeable but differ in intensity. Distasteful is less intense than disgusting, which conveys stronger aversion.
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Contextual Misuse: Using terms like obnoxious to describe physical smells or tastes (typically associated with words like revolting) can lead to misinterpretation.
Final Recap
In summary, the primary synonyms for repulsive include revolting, distasteful, obnoxious, repugnant, and disgusting. Each of these has unique nuances that make them more suitable in different contexts:
- Revolting is best used for intense disgust.
- Distasteful fits well when referring to social or personal offense.
- Obnoxious applies to annoying characteristics.
- Repugnant suits formal and moral objections.
- Disgusting serves as a versatile, casual alternative.
To enhance your vocabulary, consider experimenting with these synonyms in various contexts. Try writing sentences for each synonym in different styles: business emails, academic essays, or even casual dialogues. Practicing in this way will help solidify understanding of when and how to use them effectively.