Aversion vs. Repugnant

Attribute	Aversion	Repugnant
Definition	A strong dislike or disinclination	Extremely distasteful; unacceptable
Emotional Response	Feeling of avoidance or disgust	Feeling of intense revulsion
Intensity	Varies in degree	Strong and extreme
Subjectivity	Can be subjective	Generally considered universally repulsive

Definition

Aversion and repugnant are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. Aversion refers to a strong dislike or disinclination towards something, while repugnant refers to something that is extremely distasteful or offensive. While both words convey a sense of dislike, aversion is more about a personal feeling of distaste, while repugnant is more about something being objectively offensive or repulsive.

Emotional Response

When it comes to emotional response, aversion tends to evoke a more personal and subjective feeling of dislike. It is often tied to individual preferences or past experiences that have shaped one's feelings towards something. On the other hand, repugnant elicits a stronger and more universal sense of disgust or revulsion. Something that is repugnant is generally considered offensive or abhorrent by most people, regardless of personal preferences.

Intensity

In terms of intensity, repugnant is typically seen as more extreme than aversion. While aversion may simply be a mild dislike or discomfort towards something, repugnant implies a much stronger and more visceral reaction. Something that is repugnant is likely to provoke a strong emotional response and may even be considered morally or ethically wrong by some individuals.

Subjectivity

One key difference between aversion and repugnant is the level of subjectivity involved. Aversion is often based on personal preferences or individual experiences, making it a more subjective feeling. What one person may have an aversion to, another person may not mind at all. Repugnant, on the other hand, is more objective in nature. Something that is repugnant is generally considered offensive or repulsive by most people, regardless of personal feelings or experiences.

Usage

Both aversion and repugnant are commonly used in everyday language to express dislike or distaste towards something. However, they are often used in different contexts. Aversion is more commonly used to describe personal feelings or preferences, such as having an aversion to certain foods or activities. Repugnant, on the other hand, is often used to describe something that is universally offensive or morally objectionable, such as repugnant behavior or beliefs.

Impact

While both aversion and repugnant can have a negative impact on individuals, the impact of repugnant is often more severe. Something that is considered repugnant can be deeply disturbing or upsetting to people, leading to strong emotional reactions or even physical discomfort. Aversion, on the other hand, may simply result in a mild feeling of discomfort or avoidance towards something, without causing significant distress.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while aversion and repugnant are both words that convey a sense of dislike or distaste, they have distinct meanings and implications. Aversion is more about personal feelings of dislike or discomfort, while repugnant is about something being objectively offensive or repulsive. Repugnant tends to evoke a stronger emotional response and is considered more extreme than aversion. Understanding the differences between these two words can help us better articulate our feelings and reactions towards things that we find unpleasant or offensive.