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Atrociousness: meaning, definitions and examples

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atrociousness

 

[Ι™Λˆtroʊ.ΚƒΙ™s.nΙ™s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in behavior

The quality or state of being extremely cruel, evil, or shocking; extreme wickedness or brutality.

Synonyms

brutality, cruelty, evil.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
atrociousness

Used to describe the quality of being extremely unpleasant, appalling, or horrifying, often in a moral or ethical sense.

  • The atrociousness of the crime shocked the entire community.
  • She was unable to comprehend the sheer atrociousness of the dictator's actions.
cruelty

Used to describe behavior that causes pain, suffering, or distress to others, often intentionally and with a lack of empathy.

  • Animal cruelty is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
  • Her deliberate cruelty towards her classmates made her very unpopular.
brutality

Used to describe severe and violent behavior, typically physical abuse or harsh treatment.

  • The brutality of the attack left the victim with serious injuries.
  • The documentary exposed the police brutality against peaceful protesters.
evil

Used to describe actions, intentions, or people that are morally wrong or wicked, often carrying a strong negative connotation.

  • The villain in the story is the embodiment of pure evil.
  • She could feel an evil presence lurking in the dark alley.

Examples of usage

  • The atrociousness of the crime shocked the entire community.
  • His atrociousness towards animals was deeply disturbing.
Context #2 | Noun

in quality

The degree or extent of being extremely bad, unpleasant, or of low quality.

Synonyms

awfulness, horribleness, terribleness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
atrociousness

Used to describe something that is shockingly bad or wicked, often with a strong moral or emotional condemnation.

  • The atrociousness of the crime left the entire community in shock.
  • She could not believe the atrociousness of his actions.
awfulness

Applied to situations, experiences, or feelings that are extremely unpleasant or bad.

  • The awfulness of the weather ruined their vacation plans.
  • He couldn't stand the awfulness of the smell in the room.
horribleness

Describes something very unpleasant, typically carrying a less intense moral judgment than 'atrociousness'. Often used for sensations or experiences.

  • The horribleness of the food made everyone lose their appetite.
  • She remembered the horribleness of that night vividly.
terribleness

Used to describe something of very poor quality or very unpleasant. It can be used in various situations, from mundane to severe.

  • The terribleness of the movie made the audience walk out early.
  • He couldn't stop talking about the terribleness of his last job.

Examples of usage

  • The atrociousness of the food made it inedible.
  • The atrociousness of the weather ruined our plans for the day.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'atrox,' meaning fierce or cruel, which highlights its roots in describing extreme viciousness.
  • The suffix '-ness' is often used in English to turn adjectives into nouns, indicating the state of a quality.

Cultural Significance

  • In literature, the term often describes acts that evoke strong emotional reactions due to their unexpected cruelty.
  • Many socio-political movements have emerged in response to the atrociousness of wars and human rights violations throughout history.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that witnessing acts of atrociousness can lead to feelings of helplessness and trauma, impacting mental health.
  • Understanding the roots of atrocious behaviors can lead to better strategies for conflict resolution and prevention.

History

  • Historical events, such as genocides and colonial atrocities, are often analyzed to understand human capacity for cruelty.
  • The Nuremberg Trials post-World War II highlighted the need for accountability against acts deemed atrocious against humanity.

Media and Representation

  • Films and books portray atrociousness to critique societal norms and provoke discussions about morality and ethics.
  • Documentaries on social issues often showcase acts of atrociousness to raise awareness and inspire change.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,334, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.