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Repulsively Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿคข
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repulsively

[rษชหˆpสŒlsษชvli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a negative manner

In a manner causing strong dislike or disgust.

Synonyms

disgustingly, offensively, revoltingly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
repulsively

Used to describe something that causes a strong feeling of aversion or disgust. Often used for physical appearances or behaviors.

  • The garbage smelled repulsively bad
  • His repulsively rude comments made everyone uncomfortable
disgustingly

Used to emphasize the extreme level of disgust something evokes. It can be used both for physical things and behaviors.

  • The soup was disgustingly salty
  • He behaved disgustingly towards the waiter
offensively

Used to describe actions or words that are likely to upset or insult someone. Typically related to spoken or written language.

  • She spoke offensively to her colleague
  • His joke was considered offensively inappropriate by the audience
revoltingly

Used to describe something extremely unpleasant, often inducing strong feelings of disgust. Can be used for physical sensations or behaviors.

  • The leftovers smelled revoltingly rotten
  • His revoltingly cruel actions shocked everyone

Examples of usage

  • She looked at him repulsively.
  • The smell from the garbage was repulsively strong.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Certain smells, like spoiled food, can trigger a repulsive response as a natural defense mechanism.
  • Visual stimuli, such as unsightly images, can cause immediate emotional reactions, often leading to aversion.
  • Repulsiveness is sometimes connected to the concept of 'disgust', which plays a key role in human survival.

Literature

  • Many horror stories use repulsive imagery to invoke fear, creating a vivid mental picture that disturbs the reader.
  • Authors often describe characters or situations as repulsive to emphasize moral corruption or evil actions.
  • In poetry, using repulsive language can enhance the emotional weight of a piece, leaving a lasting impact.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures may have varying thresholds for what is considered repulsive, especially in terms of food and traditions.
  • In art, whatโ€™s considered repulsive can be creatively expressed to challenge societal norms or provoke thought.
  • Fashion can also play with the concept of repulsiveness, with avant-garde designers pushing boundaries to elicit strong reactions.

Science

  • In biology, organisms often exhibit repulsion towards predators or toxins as a survival adaptation.
  • Repulsive forces in physics, such as those found in magnets, demonstrate how opposite forces can drive things apart.
  • In the study of diseases, researchers examine repulsive symptoms to understand how the body reacts to infections.

Origin of 'repulsively'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'repulsus', meaning 'driven back' or 'repelled'.
  • It is formed from 'repulse', which adds the suffix '-ively' to indicate the manner of the action.
  • Related terms include 'repel' and 'repulsion', all having to do with the idea of pushing away.

The word 'repulsively' is derived from the adjective 'repulsive', which originated in the late 16th century from the Latin word 'repulsus', meaning 'driven back'. Over time, the adverb form 'repulsively' evolved to describe actions or behaviors that evoke strong dislike or disgust in others.

See also: repulse, repulsion, repulsive, repulsiveness.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,760, 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.