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Loathsome: meaning, definitions and examples

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loathsome

 

[ˈloʊðsəm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling or causing disgust or hatred

Extremely unpleasant; disgusting. Deserving hatred or disgust.

Synonyms

abhorrent, disgusting, repulsive, revolting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
loathsome

When describing someone or something that evokes strong disgust or hatred. This word often has moral or ethical implications.

  • His loathsome behavior at the party made everyone want to leave.
  • The dictator's loathsome actions were condemned by the entire world.
disgusting

Usually refers to something that is physically repulsive or causes strong feelings of nausea. Can be used in both serious and casual conversations.

  • The smell of the rotten food was disgusting.
  • His table manners were absolutely disgusting.
repulsive

Commonly used to describe something that is physically or morally offensive, causing a strong desire to avoid it.

  • The sight of the decaying animal was repulsive.
  • His repulsive habits made it hard to be around him.
abhorrent

Used when something is extremely offensive, especially from a moral standpoint. It conveys a sense of strong disapproval.

  • Her disregard for animal life is absolutely abhorrent.
  • The practice of discriminating against people based on their race is abhorrent.
revolting

Describes something that causes intense aversion or emotional repulsion. Often used for both physical sensations and moral outrages.

  • The idea of eating bugs is revolting to many people.
  • The corruption within the company is just revolting.

Examples of usage

  • The smell of the garbage was loathsome.
  • His loathsome behavior towards animals made everyone sick.
  • She couldn't stand the loathsome taste of the medicine.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originates from Old English 'loath', meaning 'displeasing' or 'hateful'.
  • It is etymologically related to the Old Norse word 'laðr', which means 'to be loath' or 'to be unwilling'.
  • The suffix '-some' is often used to denote a quality or state, enhancing the meaning to 'full of loathing'.

Literature

  • In classic literature, 'loathsome' is often used to describe characters or actions that evoke disgust, such as the witches in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'.
  • The term features prominently in works discussing moral decay, often painting a vivid picture of what's considered abhorrent.
  • It’s also used in poetry to express deep emotional responses, enhancing the impact of the writing.

Psychology

  • Feeling something is 'loathsome' can trigger strong emotional reactions, often involving fear or disgust.
  • Such feelings can be primal, protective measures to avoid harm or contamination.
  • This emotional response can link back to evolution, where disgust can help individuals stay away from harmful substances or behaviors.

Pop Culture

  • 'Loathsome' is often used to describe villains in movies or TV shows, enhancing their negative traits for dramatic effect.
  • It appears frequently in reviews of media, to express distaste for poor character or storytelling choices.
  • The term’s strong emotional weight makes it a favorite in satire and dark humor to exaggerate flaws.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Across different cultures, what's perceived as 'loathsome' can vary widely, shaped by societal norms and taboos.
  • It often reflects cultural fears, such as diseases or moral decay, highlighting what a society finds unacceptable.
  • This variability can lead to interesting discussions about cultural differences in taste and morality.

Translations

Translations of the word "loathsome" in other languages:

🇵🇹 detestável

🇮🇳 घृणित

🇩🇪 abscheulich

🇮🇩 menjijikkan

🇺🇦 огидний

🇵🇱 odrażający

🇯🇵 忌まわしい

🇫🇷 détestable

🇪🇸 detestable

🇹🇷 iğrenç

🇰🇷 혐오스러운

🇸🇦 بغيض

🇨🇿 odporný

🇸🇰 odporný

🇨🇳 令人厌恶的

🇸🇮 odvraten

🇮🇸 viðbjóðslegur

🇰🇿 жеккөрінішті

🇬🇪 საზიზღარი

🇦🇿 iyrənc

🇲🇽 detestable

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,608, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.