Distasteful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คข
distasteful
[dษชsหteษชstf(ษ)l ]
Definition
description
Causing dislike or disgust; unpleasant or offensive.
Synonyms
disgusting, offensive, unpleasant.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
distasteful |
Used to describe something that is mildly upsetting or disagreeable. It usually implies a matter of personal preference.
|
unpleasant |
Describes something that is not enjoyable or disagreeable but is usually not as strong as 'distasteful' or 'disgusting'.
|
offensive |
Used to describe something that causes someone to feel deeply hurt, upset, or angry. It often implies that something is inappropriate or goes against societal norms.
|
disgusting |
Describes something that causes a strong feeling of dislike or nausea. It is stronger than 'distasteful' and often used for something that is physically repellent.
|
Examples of usage
- It was a distasteful joke that offended many people.
- His distasteful behavior made everyone uncomfortable.
- The movie contained some distasteful scenes.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In literature and theatre, a distasteful act often serves to provoke thought or critique societal norms.
- Some television shows use distasteful humor to reflect reality and challenge audiences, though reactions vary widely.
Psychology
- People's reactions to distasteful scenarios often involve emotional responses like disgust, anger, or disappointment.
- Distasteful experiences can impact decision-making, leading individuals to avoid similar situations in the future.
Art
- Certain art forms intentionally embrace distasteful elements to shock viewers and provoke deep discussions about societal issues.
- Artists like Francis Bacon used disturbing imagery to explore human ugliness and suffering, emphasizing the complex nature of taste.
Etiquette
- Social norms dictate many distasteful behaviors, often resulting in criticism or ostracization in polite society.
- The understanding of what is distasteful can vary greatly across cultures, highlighting the subjective nature of taste.
Origin of 'distasteful'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the combination of 'dis-' meaning 'not' and 'tasteful', which refers to something considered good or appropriate.
- It first appeared in English in the early 19th century, reflecting a growing sensitivity to moral and aesthetic judgments.
The word 'distasteful' originated in the early 17th century from the combination of 'dis-' (expressing negation) and 'taste' (sense of what is fitting, proper, or harmonious). It evolved to describe something that is unpleasant or offensive to the sense of taste or propriety.
See also: distaste, taste, tasteful, tastefully, tasteless, tastelessly, tastelessness, taster, tastes, tastily, tastiness, tasting, tasty.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #16,986, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 16983 hypertensive
- 16984 lass
- 16985 biennium
- 16986 distasteful
- 16987 lite
- 16988 contesting
- 16989 comprehensible
- ...