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Abominably Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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abominably

[əˈbɒmɪnəbli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

used to describe something extremely unpleasant or of very poor quality

In a way that is extremely unpleasant or of very poor quality.

Synonyms

atrociously, dreadfully, horribly, terribly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
abominably

Used to describe something very unpleasant or bad to the point of being morally repulsive.

  • She treated her employees abominably
  • His abominable conduct shocked everyone
horribly

Describes something very unpleasant or shocking, causing feelings of horror or disgust.

  • The accident was horribly tragic
  • He was horribly rude to the guests
terribly

Used in a broad sense to describe something very bad or severe. Can also be used to add emphasis, often in a negative or unfortunate situation.

  • The project failed terribly
  • I'm terribly sorry for your loss
atrociously

Describes something extremely cruel, brutal, or appalling, often in the context of violence or inhumane actions.

  • The prisoners were treated atrociously
  • His behavior was atrocious, showing no regard for others
dreadfully

Used to express something very bad, unpleasant, or inadequate, often causing fear or alarm.

  • The weather was dreadfully cold
  • She felt dreadfully ill after eating the spoiled food

Examples of usage

  • She was treated abominably by her colleagues.
  • The food was abominably bad at that restaurant.
  • The service was abominably slow.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The term gained popularity in English literature, often used to describe acts of cruelty or moral failures.
  • It appears in classic texts, such as Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein', where it describes monstrous actions.
  • In C.S. Lewis's 'The Chronicles of Narnia', the term emphasizes the evil nature of the character the White Witch.

Psychology

  • People may use this term to express extreme disapproval, often linked to feelings of disgust or moral outrage.
  • Language can reflect our emotional responses, and using words like 'abominably' can evoke strong imagery about severe wrongdoing.
  • In social psychology, labeling an action as done 'abominably' can influence group judgments and actions against behavior deemed unacceptable.

Pop Culture

  • The term is frequently used in reviewing films and literature to critique poor quality or unethical behaviors depicted.
  • In popular songs, it might describe relationships gone wrong or actions that are severely criticized, enhancing dramatic effect.
  • Comedic sketches in television often misuse the word for humorous exaggeration, depicting it as overly dramatic.

Science

  • In environmental science discussions, actions conducted in an 'abominable' manner might refer to harmful practices towards nature and wildlife.
  • The term can describe anything from abominable weather conditions affecting experiments to unethical laboratory practices.
  • Scientific debates also frame certain actions as 'abominably detrimental', particularly in contexts of climate change and its moral implications.

Origin of 'abominably'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'abominabilis', meaning 'to be hated'.
  • It first appeared in the English language in the late 14th century.
  • It is built from the prefix 'ab-' (away from) and 'ominari' (to forebode or predict), combining to express something that is to be shunned.

The word 'abominably' originates from the Middle English 'abomynable' which came from the Old French 'abominable'. It has been used in English since the 14th century. The term 'abominable' has roots in Latin 'abominari', meaning 'to deprecate, to detest as an ill omen', and ultimately from 'ab-' (away from) + 'omen' (foreboding). Over time, the adverb 'abominably' has evolved to convey a sense of extreme disgust or disdain.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,433 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.