Word of the Day: Abominable – When Something is Truly Horrible!

 

Word of the Day: Abominable – When Something is Truly Horrible!

Definition

Abominable (ə-ˈbä-mə-nə-bəl) – adjective

  1. Causing moral revulsion; very bad, unpleasant, or horrific.
  2. Disgusting or extremely unpleasant in a way that provokes strong feelings of dislike or loathing.
  3. (In a more formal context) Extremely hateful or detestable.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms:

  • Horrible
  • Terrible
  • Atrocious
  • Dreadful
  • Awful
  • Loathsome

Antonyms:

  • Wonderful
  • Delightful
  • Pleasing
  • Enjoyable
  • Admirable

Introduction

Have you ever encountered something so disturbing or horrible that it left you feeling disgusted? That’s exactly what the word abominable describes. It’s the ultimate way to express how truly awful or repulsive something can be. Let’s explore how this word is used and where it shows up in various contexts.

Etymology and Origins

The word abominable comes from the Latin abominabilis, which means "to be avoided because it is repulsive or hateful." It comes from abominari, meaning "to shun or detest." The word was originally used to describe things that were morally or ritually unclean and has since evolved to describe anything particularly bad or repugnant.

Applications of "Abominable" in Different Contexts

1. Describing Horrific Actions

When something is so bad it evokes disgust or horror, abominable is the perfect word. It is often used to describe heinous acts or crimes that go against human decency.

Example:
The dictator’s abominable treatment of prisoners shocked the world.

2. Describing Nature or the Environment

Sometimes, the word abominable is used to express the extremes of unpleasantness found in nature or environmental conditions.

Example:
The abominable cold of the Arctic left the explorers shivering and desperate for warmth.

3. Describing Personal Behavior

We can also use abominable to describe someone's actions or character when they behave in a truly detestable way.

Example:
Her abominable attitude towards others made her unpopular in the workplace.

Pronunciation

/ə-ˈbä-mə-nə-bəl/

Examples in Literature

  • Mary Shelley, Frankenstein:
    “The monster, with his abominable appearance, was shunned by all of humanity.”
    This usage of abominable highlights how something truly horrific or terrifying can evoke rejection and fear.

  • Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol:
    “Scrooge’s abominable greed had turned him into a bitter and isolated man.”
    Dickens used the word to describe the deeply unpleasant nature of Scrooge’s character before his transformation.

  • Edgar Allan Poe, The Tell-Tale Heart:
    “The abominable act of murder weighed heavily on my conscience.”
    In Poe’s works, abominable often describes actions so heinous that they defy the norms of society and morality.

Modern Usage

In Popular Culture

In movies, TV shows, and books, abominable is often used to describe villains or creatures that are so evil or grotesque that they inspire fear and loathing.

Example:
The abominable snowman, a mythical creature often depicted as a monstrous, dangerous being, captures the essence of what it means to be terrifying and repulsive.

In Social Contexts

People also use abominable to criticize social behaviors or events that are deeply unethical or immoral.

Example:
The abominable treatment of workers in sweatshops continues to be a major issue in global human rights.

Interactive Quiz

Test Your Knowledge of "Abominable"

  1. What does abominable mean?
    a) Beautiful
    b) Extremely bad or detestable
    c) Slightly unpleasant

  2. Which of these is an example of something abominable?
    a) A delightful meal at a five-star restaurant
    b) A hateful crime that shocks society
    c) A relaxing day at the beach

  3. Which of these words is a synonym of abominable?
    a) Wonderful
    b) Dreadful
    c) Peaceful

Answers:

  1. b) Extremely bad or detestable
  2. b) A hateful crime that shocks society
  3. b) Dreadful – Abominable is synonymous with things that are terrible or repulsive.

Conclusion

Abominable is a powerful word that conveys the deepest levels of disgust and horror. Whether referring to actions, characters, or situations, it is a term reserved for describing the most repulsive and dreadful things. The next time you encounter something that is truly awful, you’ll know exactly which word to use.

Stay tuned for our next blog: Abominate – To Hate or Loathe Something Intensely!