Appalling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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appalling
[əˈpɔːlɪŋ ]
Definitions
feeling
Causing shock or horror; extremely bad or unpleasant.
Synonyms
awful, dreadful, horrifying, shocking.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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appalling |
Best used to describe something extremely bad or severe, often causing surprise or disbelief.
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horrifying |
Used to describe something that causes horror or is very shocking and terrifying.
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shocking |
Typically used to describe something that causes a strong emotional reaction, often due to its unexpected or outrageous nature.
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dreadful |
Used for describing something that causes fear or is very unpleasant. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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awful |
Used in casual conversation to describe something unpleasant or very bad. Less formal than other words in this list.
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Examples of usage
- The conditions in the prison were truly appalling.
- The appalling news of the disaster left everyone speechless.
appearance
Very unattractive or unpleasant in a way that causes fear or disgust.
Synonyms
abominable, disgusting, repellent, revolting.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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appalling |
Used to describe something that is shockingly bad or horrific, often causing dismay or alarm.
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repellent |
Often used to describe something that is so unpleasant that it pushes people away; can also refer to something that wards off a particular threat, like insects.
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revolting |
Used similarly to 'disgusting', but often implies a stronger, more visceral reaction of nausea or repulsion.
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disgusting |
Used to express strong distaste or revulsion, often in relation to appearance, taste, or smell.
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abominable |
Used to describe something that is morally repulsive or extremely unpleasant.
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Examples of usage
- The smell coming from the kitchen was truly appalling.
- The state of the old building was appalling, with decay everywhere.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Usage
- In literature, authors often use the term to describe horrific situations to evoke a strong emotional reaction from readers.
- In film and theater, appalling events are frequently used to create tension, making audiences feel shocked or anxious.
Psychology
- Witnessing appalling events can trigger a strong stress response, sometimes leading to feelings of helplessness or trauma.
- People often become desensitized to appalling content in media over time, which can diminish their emotional reactions.
Social Commentary
- The word is frequently used in discussions about social issues, such as poverty or violence, highlighting unacceptable conditions.
- Activists use 'appalling' to draw attention to injustices, aiming to spur action and awareness among the public.
Pop Culture
- The term has appeared in numerous songs and movies to express outrage or disapproval of certain situations.
- Comedians often use the word to enhance their routines, making light of what many find to be unacceptable behavior.
Origin of 'appalling'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French word 'apalir', which means 'to make pale', referring to how something shocking can drain the color from your face.
- It entered the English language in the early 17th century, originally describing the act of causing fright or horror.
The word 'appalling' originated from the verb 'appall' which means to fill with horror or dismay. It first appeared in the late 16th century and has been used to describe shocking or horrifying situations ever since.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranked #11,872, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.
- ...
- 11869 instinctively
- 11870 soothing
- 11871 glove
- 11872 appalling
- 11873 smoothed
- 11874 abbreviated
- 11875 providence
- ...