Hideousness: meaning, definitions and examples

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hideousness

[ˈhɪdɪəsnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling

The quality or state of being extremely ugly or unpleasant in appearance.

Synonyms

monstrosity, repulsiveness, ugliness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hideousness	Used to describe something extremely unpleasant to look at. Often conveys a strong emotional reaction of disgust. The hideousness of the creature made it difficult for anyone to approach it. She couldn't forget the hideousness of the accident scene.
ugliness	A general term to describe something that is unpleasant to look at. Can be used in both a physical and metaphorical sense. Despite its ugliness, the sculpture was highly praised for its artistic value. The ugliness of the argument made their friendship difficult to repair.
monstrosity	Refers to something that is unusually large and ugly. This term can also describe something that is abnormally bad or evil. The new building was a concrete monstrosity that ruined the city's skyline. His actions were a monstrosity, beyond what anyone could have imagined.
repulsiveness	Describes something that causes a strong feeling of disgust or repulsion, often used in a negative sense. The repulsiveness of the smell made everyone leave the room immediately. There was a repulsiveness in his behavior that no one could ignore.

Examples of usage

The hideousness of the monster terrified the villagers.
Her face twisted into a mask of hideousness as she screamed in anger.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

situation

The extreme unpleasantness or offensiveness of something.

Synonyms

abomination, atrocity, horror.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hideousness	Best used to describe something extremely ugly or shocking in appearance. The hideousness of the dilapidated building made it an eyesore for the entire neighborhood. He was repulsed by the hideousness of the mutated creature in the horror movie.
horror	Applied to situations or things that cause intense fear, dread, or shock. It can be used both for real events and fictional contexts. The horror of the haunted house left the visitors trembling in fear. She couldn't shake off the horror she felt after witnessing the accident.
atrocity	Used when referring to an extremely wicked or cruel act, often involving physical violence. It is commonly used to describe war crimes or acts of extreme inhumanity. The atrocity of the mass shooting has left the community in a state of mourning. Historical records document the atrocities committed during the war.
abomination	Generally used to describe something that is morally repulsive or greatly disliked. It often carries a strong, negative moral judgment. The act of cruelty to animals is considered an abomination by many people. Some old traditions, though once accepted, are now seen as abominations in modern society.

Examples of usage

The hideousness of the crime shocked the entire community.
The hideousness of the truth made her want to run away.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'hedere', meaning to 'shudder' or 'fear', reflecting how ugly things can make you feel.
In Middle English, the term evolved to describe a state of being alarming or frightful.
Its usage in English dates back to the late 16th century, highlighting a long-standing concern with appearance and beauty.

Psychology

Hideousness can trigger strong emotional responses, causing feelings of disgust or revulsion in individuals.
Studies show that people often associate physical appearance with moral character, linking ugly appearances to negative traits.
The 'halo effect' suggests that attractive people are often perceived as more intelligent and kind, while the opposite may be true for those deemed hideous.

Art and Literature

In literature, characters described as hideous often symbolize deeper inner flaws or societal rejection.
Artists throughout history have explored hideousness in their work, using it to provoke thought and challenge norms about beauty.
Frankenstein's monster is a classic example in literature and film, embodying the theme of hideousness tied to the complexity of the human condition.

Pop Culture

Popular fairy tales, like 'Beauty and the Beast,' confront the idea of hideousness as something that can be overcome, revealing inner beauty.
Reality shows often dramatize hideousness by showcasing transformations, emphasizing societal beauty standards.
Films like 'The Elephant Man' redefine perceptions of ugliness, engaging viewers with empathy for those whose appearances are deemed hideous.

Philosophy

Philosophers have debated the nature of beauty and hideousness, questioning whether such concepts are purely subjective or have universal standards.
Existentialism often views hideousness as a reflection of the absurdity of life, prompting individuals to find beauty in the grotesque.
The contrast between hideousness and beauty has been a key theme in various philosophical discourses, impacting culture and societal norms.

Translations

Translations of the word "hideousness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 horror

🇮🇳 कुरूपता

🇩🇪 Hässlichkeit

🇮🇩 keburukan

🇺🇦 потворність

🇵🇱 brzydota

🇯🇵 醜さ

🇫🇷 laideur

🇪🇸 fealdad

🇹🇷 çirkinlik

🇰🇷 추함

🇸🇦 البشاعة

🇨🇿 ošklivost

🇸🇰 škaredosť

🇨🇳 丑陋

🇸🇮 grdota

🇮🇸 ljótleiki

🇰🇿 сұрықсыздық

🇬🇪 სიმახინჯე

🇦🇿 çirkinlik

🇲🇽 fealdad

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,151, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

...
35148 tessellated
35149 messiness
35150 mobster
35151 hideousness
35152 sheepfold
35153 jocularly
35154 ambulant
...