Disgust – Definition and Part of Speech
Disgust is primarily used as a noun to describe a strong feeling of aversion or repulsion caused by something unpleasant, offensive, or distasteful. It can also function as a verb meaning to cause someone to feel this reaction. In its adjectival form, “disgusting” refers to something that evokes disgust.
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revulsion | A deep and instinctive feeling of opposition or dislike; often more intense than basic disgust. | “The sight of the spoiled food caused a revulsion in her stomach.” | Formal/Intensive |
| Loathing | Strong dislike or hatred; implies deeper, more persistent feelings than mere disgust. | “He felt a profound loathing for his former business partner.” | Formal/Academic |
| Repugnance | A strong sense of opposition to something perceived as offensive or unacceptable. | “Her moral code led her to express repugnance at the unethical proposal.” | Formal/Literary |
| Aversion | An instinctive dislike for someone or something. Often less intense than disgust, but more enduring. | “She had a mild aversion to public speaking, preferring written communication.” | Neutral/Formal |
| Repulsion | The feeling of disgust mixed with physical or emotional withdrawal from what causes it. | “The odor made him feel an immediate repulsion, and he quickly left the room.” | Formal/Informal |
Usage Notes
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Revulsion is often used in contexts where a visceral, almost reflexive reaction is described, making it suitable for formal writing or intense literary descriptions.
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Loathing implies a deeper emotional engagement with the object of disgust, fitting academic discussions on personal feelings or literature involving complex character development.
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Repugnance is particularly appropriate in debates or essays concerning ethics, politics, or moral philosophy due to its connotation of strong opposition grounded in principle.
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Aversion, being less intense, works well when discussing preferences or mild dislikes in a more neutral context, such as business meetings about strategic decisions.
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Repulsion can be effectively used both formally and informally to describe physical or emotional reactions, making it versatile for different styles of writing and conversation.
Common Pitfalls (Optional)
A common mistake is using these synonyms interchangeably without regard to their intensity or nuance. For example:
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Confusing “repugnance” with “aversion”: The former implies a stronger moral or ethical judgment than the latter.
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Misapplying “loathing,” which suggests an enduring and deeper feeling, when describing a temporary reaction.
Final Recap
The key synonyms for disgust—revulsion, loathing, repugnance, aversion, and repulsion—each carry unique connotations that can enrich writing by adding specificity. Revulsion is intense and visceral; loathing suggests deep-seated hatred; repugnance indicates strong opposition based on principle; aversion is a mild, persistent dislike; and repulsion involves withdrawal from an unpleasant stimulus.
To master their usage, practice incorporating these words into various contexts: write essays, compose emails, or engage in conversations where nuanced vocabulary can enhance clarity and expressiveness. By doing so, you’ll deepen your understanding of each synonym’s subtle differences and appropriate applications.