Despicable vs. Detestable

Attribute	Despicable	Detestable
Definition	Deserving hatred or contempt	Deserving intense dislike or disgust
Synonyms	Abominable, vile, loathsome	Abhorrent, repugnant, odious
Intensity	Strong negative feeling	Intense disgust or aversion
Usage	Commonly used to describe actions or behavior	Commonly used to describe things or situations

Definition

Despicable and detestable are both adjectives used to describe something that is deserving of strong dislike or contempt. However, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can affect how they are used in context.

Despicable

The word "despicable" is often used to describe something that is morally reprehensible or deserving of scorn. It implies a sense of disgust or revulsion towards the subject. For example, a despicable act might be something like stealing from a charity or betraying a friend.

Despicable can also be used to describe a person who is considered to be vile or contemptible. This could be someone who consistently behaves in a dishonest or dishonorable manner, causing others to view them with disdain.

In literature and film, despicable characters are often portrayed as villains who commit heinous acts without remorse. These characters are typically meant to evoke a strong emotional response from the audience, such as anger or disgust.

Detestable

On the other hand, the word "detestable" is used to describe something that is deserving of intense dislike or hatred. While similar to despicable in some ways, detestable carries a stronger connotation of abhorrence.

Detestable can be used to describe actions, behaviors, or qualities that are considered to be extremely offensive or repugnant. For example, a detestable crime might be something like murder or genocide.

When applied to a person, detestable suggests a deep-seated aversion or loathing towards that individual. This could be due to their actions, beliefs, or character traits that are considered to be morally repulsive.

Comparison

While both despicable and detestable convey a strong sense of dislike or contempt, the key difference lies in the intensity of the emotion they evoke. Despicable tends to imply a general sense of moral reprehensibility, while detestable suggests a more profound level of hatred or abhorrence.

Despicable may be used to describe actions or individuals that are considered to be morally wrong or dishonorable, but not necessarily to the extent of being detestable. Detestable, on the other hand, is reserved for things that are truly abhorrent or repugnant.

In terms of usage, despicable is more commonly employed in everyday language to express strong disapproval or disdain towards something or someone. Detestable, on the other hand, is often reserved for more extreme cases where the level of hatred or disgust is particularly intense.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while despicable and detestable are both words used to convey a strong sense of dislike or contempt, they differ in the intensity of the emotion they evoke. Despicable is more general in its connotation of moral reprehensibility, while detestable carries a stronger sense of abhorrence or hatred. Understanding the nuances of these words can help to accurately convey the level of disdain or disgust one feels towards a particular subject.