Distasteful Meaning and Definition
Distasteful
Pronunciation
/dɪsˈtæstfl/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Lacking flavor, taste, or appeal; unpalatable; unpleasant.
Examples
- The dish was distasteful to many people due to its unusual ingredients.
- The movie was distasteful, with graphic violence and offensive language.
Etymology
From Old French desplaisant, desplaisant, or desplaisible, from Latin dis + placere, to please, hence “displeasing”
Usage Notes
Care should be taken when using the word “distasteful” in different contexts, as it can be perceived as judgmental or subjective. It’s essential to consider the audience and the intended meaning.
Cultural References
In popular culture, distasteful often appears in films, literature, and music, often to describe something as unpleasant or off-putting.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- a distasteful experience
Related Words or Phrases
- obnoxious
- unpleasant
- gruesome
Collocations
- distasteful odor
- distasteful gesture
Frequency of Use
As an adjective, “distasteful” is relatively rare in everyday conversation, but it can be found in literature and formal writing.
Common Misspellings
- distastful
- distasful
- distastfuly