Distaste Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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distaste

[dษชsหˆteษชst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

A strong feeling of dislike or disgust.

Synonyms

aversion, disgust, dislike.

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Word Description / Examples
distaste

This is a repetition. Refer to the description above.

dislike

Use this when referring to a general, moderate negative feeling towards something or someone. It is less intense than aversion or disgust.

  • He has a dislike for early mornings
  • She disliked the way he was talking to her
disgust

This word is appropriate when referring to a powerful feeling of revulsion or loathing, often triggered by something offensive or unpleasant.

  • She looked at the spoiled food with disgust
  • His behavior filled her with disgust
aversion

This word is best used when describing a strong dislike or unwillingness to engage with something, often leading to avoidance.

  • He has a strong aversion to spiders
  • There was an aversion to speaking in public

Examples of usage

  • I have a distaste for olives.
  • She showed distaste for his rude behavior.
  • The distaste on her face was evident.
  • He couldn't hide his distaste for the movie.
  • His distaste for the new policy was clear.
Context #2 | Noun

taste

A mild dislike or lack of enthusiasm for something.

Synonyms

disinclination, reluctance, unwillingness.

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Word Description / Examples
distaste

Use this term when expressing a strong feeling of dislike towards something, often due to a sense of it being improper or unpleasant. It is not as strong as 'loathing' but still conveys a clear negative reaction.

  • She felt a sense of distaste when she saw the messy room
  • His distaste for spicy food was well-known
disinclination

This word is appropriate when indicating a mild, often habitual, preference to avoid something. It doesn't suggest a strong emotional reaction but a more general and subdued lack of interest or motivation.

  • He showed a disinclination to attend the meeting
  • Her disinclination to confront the issue was apparent
unwillingness

Use this word when someone completely lacks the desire or intention to do something. It conveys a stronger sense of objection than 'reluctance' and often implies that the person will not comply.

  • There was clear unwillingness among employees to adopt the new policy
  • His unwillingness to participate was evident from the start
reluctance

This term is used when someone is hesitant or unwilling to do something but may end up doing it due to pressure or obligation. It suggests some resistance but not strong opposition.

  • She accepted the job offer with reluctance
  • Despite his reluctance, he agreed to the plan

Examples of usage

  • She had a distaste for spicy food.
  • His distaste for exercise was well-known.
  • There was a distinct distaste in her voice.
  • The distaste in his expression was palpable.
Context #3 | Noun

aesthetic

A lack of harmony or balance in the arrangement of elements, often used in reference to art or design.

Synonyms

discordance, disharmony, disorder.

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Word Description / Examples
distaste

Once again, this word is appropriate for expressing a mild dislike or aversion to something, related to taste, opinion, or moral judgment. It implies a sense of disapproval or disgust.

  • She spoke with distaste about the unfashionable attire.
  • His distaste for spicy food is well-known among his friends.
disharmony

Often used in the context of relationships, groups, or any system that is expected to function harmoniously. It refers to a lack of harmony or agreement. Can be used to describe musical contexts as well.

  • There was noticeable disharmony among the team members.
  • The disharmony in the orchestra's performance was apparent.
disorder

Commonly used to describe a lack of order, organization, or predictability in various contexts including physical spaces, mental health, and social systems. It often carries a more serious connotation.

  • The room was in complete disorder after the party.
  • Anxiety disorders can significantly impact a person's daily life.
discordance

Suitable in formal or technical discussions, especially in scientific, musical, or social contexts, to describe a lack of harmony or agreement.

  • The discordance in their viewpoints made it difficult to reach a consensus.
  • Scientists noted a discordance between the experimental results and the established theory.

Examples of usage

  • The painting had a certain distaste to it.
  • The room's decor showed a clear distaste for minimalism.
  • The outfit was a jumble of colors, a distaste to the eyes.
  • His writing style is marked by a deliberate distaste for conventions.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Distaste can often trigger strong emotional reactions, influencing behavior and decision-making.
  • People often have distaste for foods and flavors that they associate with negative experiences.
  • Cognitive dissonance can arise when someone feels distaste for an action that contradicts their beliefs.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have unique tastes; what one group finds distasteful, another might cherish.
  • In culinary traditions, certain ingredients are often avoided by particular cultures due to distaste, such as unusual meats.
  • Art and literature similarly evoke distaste, which can challenge societal norms and provoke thought.

Literature

  • Authors use distaste to develop characters by showing their reactions to events or others.
  • Classic literature often explores themes of distaste to challenge moral and societal beliefs.
  • Poets may express distaste through imagery that evokes strong sensory responses from readers.

Pop Culture

  • Reality shows often highlight distasteful surprises or confrontations as dramatic moments.
  • In film and television, charactersโ€™ distaste for each other can create tension and conflict in the storyline.
  • Food critics often express distaste in their reviews, influencing public perception of restaurants.

Origin of 'distaste'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'distaste' comes from Middle French, where 'dis' means 'not' and 'taste' relates to flavor or enjoyment.
  • It was introduced to English in the late 14th century, reflecting a negative reaction to flavor.
  • Over time, the meaning expanded beyond food to include feelings about ideas and actions.

The word 'distaste' originated in the late 16th century, combining the prefix 'dis-' (indicating reversal or negation) with 'taste'. Initially used in the sense of 'lack of taste or refinement', it later evolved to mean a feeling of dislike or disgust. The word has been used consistently in English literature to convey a sense of aversion or disapproval towards something. Over time, 'distaste' has become a common term to express a mild or strong form of dislike or distaste.


See also: distasteful, taste, tasteful, tastefully, tasteless, tastelessly, tastelessness, taster, tastes, tastily, tastiness, tasting, tasty.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,068, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.