Loathsome Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คข
loathsome
[หloสรฐsษm ]
Definition
feeling or causing disgust or hatred
Extremely unpleasant; disgusting. Deserving hatred or disgust.
Synonyms
abhorrent, disgusting, repulsive, revolting.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| loathsome |
When describing someone or something that evokes strong disgust or hatred. This word often has moral or ethical implications.
|
| disgusting |
Usually refers to something that is physically repulsive or causes strong feelings of nausea. Can be used in both serious and casual conversations.
|
| repulsive |
Commonly used to describe something that is physically or morally offensive, causing a strong desire to avoid it.
|
| abhorrent |
Used when something is extremely offensive, especially from a moral standpoint. It conveys a sense of strong disapproval.
|
| revolting |
Describes something that causes intense aversion or emotional repulsion. Often used for both physical sensations and moral outrages.
|
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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
- Itโs 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 termโs 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.
Origin of 'loathsome'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from Old English 'loath', meaning 'displeasing' or 'hateful'.
- It is etymologically related to the Old Norse word 'laรฐr', 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'.
The word 'loathsome' has its origins in Middle English, coming from the word 'lothsum' meaning hateful or detestable. Over time, the word has evolved to describe something extremely unpleasant or disgusting, often causing feelings of disgust or hatred in those who encounter it.