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Abominable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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abominable

[əˈbɒmɪnəb(ə)l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

describing something extremely unpleasant or causing disgust

Causing moral revulsion or horror. Extremely unpleasant or of poor quality. Abominable behavior is considered immoral or evil.

Synonyms

atrocious, detestable, hateful, horrendous, repugnant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
abominable

Use this word to describe something extremely bad or unpleasant, often used in formal or literary settings.

  • The weather was abominable, making it nearly impossible to travel
  • His abominable behavior shocked everyone at the party
hateful

Used to describe something or someone that evokes hatred, often with a personal, emotional impact.

  • She gave him a hateful glare
  • Those hateful remarks hurt deeply
detestable

Used to express a strong dislike or hatred, often for personal traits or actions.

  • Her detestable attitude made it difficult for her to make friends
  • He committed a detestable crime that no one could forgive
repugnant

Used to describe something that is extremely distasteful or unacceptable, often in formal contexts.

  • His views on the subject were absolutely repugnant
  • She found the idea of animal cruelty repugnant
horrendous

Generally used to describe something that is horrifyingly bad, typically associated with experiences or events.

  • The accident was horrendous, with several casualties
  • He suffered from horrendous nightmares after the incident
atrocious

Typically used to emphasize the seriousness or severity of something bad, often actions or behavior.

  • The food at the restaurant was simply atrocious
  • His atrocious crimes left the community in shock

Examples of usage

  • The abominable crime shocked the entire nation.
  • She had to endure the abominable smell coming from the garbage bin.
  • The abominable conditions in the prison were a violation of human rights.
  • The abominable acts of violence were condemned by the community.
  • I can't believe he would say such abominable things.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term is famously associated with the 'Abominable Snowman', a legendary creature said to inhabit the Himalayas.
  • In literature, the word has often been used to describe grotesque monsters or villains, adding to their frightfulness.
  • Various movies and books have depicted characters or events as abominable, showcasing their moral depravity.

Literature

  • In Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein', the creature is referred to as abominable due to its unnatural origins.
  • Charles Dickens uses the term in 'A Christmas Carol' to describe the harsh treatment of the poor, emphasizing societal failings.
  • It's often utilized to evoke strong emotional responses, highlighting the boundaries of human behavior.

Psychology

  • The concept of abominable acts often relates to moral outrage, triggering strong emotional reactions in individuals.
  • Studies in moral psychology suggest people categorize behaviors as abominable based on cultural norms and values.
  • The feeling of disgust is a core component in labeling something as abominable, influencing social judgments.

History

  • Throughout history, many actions have been deemed abominable, especially in the context of war crimes and human rights violations.
  • Abominable acts in political contexts have led to movements and reforms aimed at changing unjust systems.
  • The use of the word was prominent during the Enlightenment to describe acts that contradicted reason and enlightenment principles.

Origin of 'abominable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'abominabilis', meaning 'detestable' or 'horrible'.
  • It has roots in the prefix 'ab-', meaning 'away from', and 'ominari', which means 'to predict'.
  • Originally, it described things that seemed cursed or foreboding.

The word 'abominable' originates from the Latin word 'abominari', which means 'to deprecate as an ill omen or as ominous'. In English, it has evolved to describe something extremely unpleasant or causing disgust. The term has been used for centuries to convey the idea of something detestable or morally reprehensible.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,132, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.