Abhor vs. Appall

Attribute	Abhor	Appall
Definition	Regard with disgust and hatred	Fill with horror or disgust
Intensity	Strong dislike or hatred	Intense feeling of shock or disgust
Usage	More commonly used in literature or formal writing	Used in everyday language
Emotional Response	Primarily negative emotions	Strong negative emotions

Definition

Abhor and appall are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. Abhor means to regard with disgust and hatred, while appall means to greatly shock or horrify. Both words convey a sense of strong negative emotion, but they are used in slightly different contexts.

Usage

Abhor is typically used to describe a feeling of intense dislike or hatred towards something or someone. For example, one might say "I abhor violence" to express their strong aversion to acts of aggression. On the other hand, appall is used to convey a sense of shock or horror at something that is morally or ethically wrong. For instance, one might say "I am appalled by the lack of compassion in society" to express their dismay at the lack of empathy in the world.

Intensity

One key difference between abhor and appall is the level of intensity of the emotions they convey. Abhor tends to imply a deep-seated and long-lasting feeling of disgust or hatred, while appall suggests a more immediate and visceral reaction to something shocking or horrifying. In other words, abhor is a more enduring emotion, while appall is a more immediate and intense one.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the differences between abhor and appall:

• I abhor cruelty to animals.
• The news of the terrorist attack appalled me.
• She abhors dishonesty in any form.
• The sight of the car crash appalled onlookers.

Similarities

Despite their differences, abhor and appall are similar in that they both convey a strong negative emotion. They are both used to express a sense of moral outrage or disgust at something that is considered wrong or unacceptable. In this sense, they are often used interchangeably in everyday language, even though they have distinct meanings.

Etymology

The word "abhor" comes from the Latin word "abhorrere," which means to shrink back from. This reflects the idea of recoiling in disgust or horror at something. On the other hand, the word "appall" comes from the Old French word "appalir," which means to grow pale or turn pale with fear. This reflects the idea of being shocked or horrified by something.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while abhor and appall are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings and connotations. Abhor conveys a feeling of intense dislike or hatred, while appall conveys a sense of shock or horror. Both words are used to express strong negative emotions, but they are used in slightly different contexts. Understanding the nuances of these words can help you communicate more effectively and accurately convey your emotions.