Revulsively Meaning: Definition and Examples
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revulsively
[rɪˈvʌlsɪvli ]
Definition
strong reaction
Revulsively describes an action performed in a manner that provokes a strong feeling of disgust or repulsion. It often conveys a sense of intense emotional distaste, particularly in response to something offensive or shocking.
Synonyms
abhorrently, disgustingly, repulsively.
Examples of usage
- He recoiled revulsively at the sight of the spilled food.
- The audience reacted revulsively to the graphic images shown in the documentary.
- She spoke revulsively about the unethical practices she had witnessed.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Feeling revulsively can be a protective reaction to threats, helping to avoid harmful situations.
- Emotions of disgust are associated with survival, as they can prevent disease and promote safe choices.
Literature
- Authors often depict characters feeling revulsion to highlight moral conflicts or deepen emotional responses in stories.
- Revulsive imagery might be used in poetry to evoke strong sensations and provoke thought or reflection.
Culture
- In many cultures, certain foods or practices can elicit revulsion, revealing differing attitudes toward hygiene and taste.
- Art pieces that portray grotesque themes often aim to evoke a revulsive response, challenging viewers’ comfort zones.
Social Behavior
- Revulsion can influence social dynamics, as people tend to distance themselves from behaviors or ideas they find offensive.
- Public reactions to controversial figures or movements are often fueled by collective feelings of revulsion.
Origin of 'revulsively'
Main points about word origin
- Derived from the Latin word 'revulsus', meaning to pull away, indicating a strong reaction against something.
- The prefix 're-' indicates a return or back action, combined with 'vuls', which relates to pulling or tearing away.
The word 'revulsively' has its roots in the Latin word 'revulsus', which means to pull away or draw back. The term evolved through the Old French 'revulser', which carries a similar meaning of pulling back or distancing oneself, often in response to something unpleasant. In the English language, 'revulsion' emerged in the 19th century, denoting a strong feeling of disgust or repugnance. The adverbial form 'revulsively' was coined to express the manner in which an action is performed that reflects that strong feeling of disgust. The use of 'revulsively' became more common in literary and rhetorical contexts, often used to convey deep emotional responses to situations or actions that are morally or aesthetically offending. As language evolved, it became a useful descriptor in both formal and informal settings to articulate the strength of repulsion felt by individuals in various circumstances.