Repugnant Meaning and Definition
Repugnant
Pronunciation
/ˈrɛpʊɡnənt/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Having a strong or intense aversion or dislike; unpleasant or objectionable.
Examples
- The smell of the smog was repugnant to her.
- The cruel joke was repugnant to his sense of humor.
Synonyms
- Abhorrent
- Detestable
Antonyms
- Pleasant
- Lovable
Etymology
The word “repugnant” comes from the Latin “repugnare,” meaning “to resist” or “to oppose.”
Usage Notes
Repugnant is typically used to describe something that arouses strong feelings of dislike or discomfort. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including in descriptions of unpleasant odors, cruel actions, or distasteful practices.
Cultural References
Repugnant has appeared in popular culture, such as in the novel and film “The Silence of the Lambs,” where the character Buffalo Bill is described as having a repugnant presence.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
There are no common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word repugnant.
Related Words or Phrases
Words or phrases that are closely related in meaning or usage to repugnant include abhorrent, detestable, and revolting.
Collocations
Common word combinations with the term repugnant include “feeling repugnant,” “finding something repugnant,” and “being repugnant to someone.”
Frequency of Use
Repugnant is a relatively uncommon word, but it is used infrequently in written and spoken language to describe something that is strongly disliked or unpleasant.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of repugnant include “repugnant” (without the hyphen) and “repugnent” (with the wrong prefix).