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Distasteful: meaning, definitions and examples

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distasteful

 

[dɪsˈteɪstf(ə)l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

description

Causing dislike or disgust; unpleasant or offensive.

Synonyms

disgusting, offensive, unpleasant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
distasteful

Used to describe something that is mildly upsetting or disagreeable. It usually implies a matter of personal preference.

  • I found his joke rather distasteful.
  • Her choice of words was distasteful, but not malicious.
unpleasant

Describes something that is not enjoyable or disagreeable but is usually not as strong as 'distasteful' or 'disgusting'.

  • The weather was quite unpleasant that day.
  • I had an unpleasant experience at the dentist.
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.

  • Her comments were deeply offensive to many people.
  • The advertisement was pulled down because it was offensive.
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.

  • The rotten food was absolutely disgusting.
  • His behavior at the party was disgusting and unacceptable.

Examples of usage

  • It was a distasteful joke that offended many people.
  • His distasteful behavior made everyone uncomfortable.
  • The movie contained some distasteful scenes.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "distasteful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desagradável

🇮🇳 अप्रिय

🇩🇪 widerlich

🇮🇩 menjijikkan

🇺🇦 неприємний

🇵🇱 niesmaczny

🇯🇵 不快な

🇫🇷 désagréable

🇪🇸 desagradable

🇹🇷 tatsız

🇰🇷 불쾌한

🇸🇦 مقزز

🇨🇿 nechutný

🇸🇰 nechutný

🇨🇳 令人厌恶的

🇸🇮 neprijeten

🇮🇸 ógeðfelldur

🇰🇿 жағымсыз

🇬🇪 სამწუხარო

🇦🇿 naxoş

🇲🇽 desagradable

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.