Disgusting vs. Repulsive

Attribute	Disgusting	Repulsive
Definition	Causing a strong feeling of dislike or revulsion	Eliciting intense aversion or disgust
Intensity	Varies in degree, can be mild to extreme	Usually extreme and overwhelming
Subjectivity	Can be subjective, varies from person to person	Generally considered universally repulsive
Common Triggers	Bad smells, uncleanliness, certain foods	Rotten food, bodily fluids, decay

Definition

Disgusting and repulsive are two words that are often used interchangeably to describe something that causes a strong feeling of aversion or revulsion. However, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can help distinguish between the two.

Disgusting

The word "disgusting" is typically used to describe something that is extremely unpleasant or offensive to the senses. It can refer to something that is physically repulsive, such as rotten food or a foul odor. It can also be used to describe something that is morally repugnant, such as a cruel act or a vile behavior.

When something is described as disgusting, it often evokes a visceral reaction of nausea or disgust in the person experiencing it. It is a strong word that conveys a sense of intense dislike or aversion towards the object or situation being described.

Examples of things that might be considered disgusting include slimy insects, moldy food, or a filthy public restroom. These are things that most people would find repulsive and would want to avoid at all costs.

Repulsive

On the other hand, the word "repulsive" is often used to describe something that is so offensive or abhorrent that it causes a feeling of deep disgust or revulsion. It can refer to something that is morally repugnant, such as a heinous crime or a despicable act.

When something is described as repulsive, it often evokes a sense of horror or revulsion in the person experiencing it. It is a word that conveys a strong sense of repugnance or loathing towards the object or situation being described.

Examples of things that might be considered repulsive include a decaying corpse, a gruesome crime scene, or a vile act of cruelty. These are things that most people would find deeply disturbing and would want to avoid at all costs.

Attributes

While both disgusting and repulsive convey a sense of strong aversion or revulsion, there are some key differences in their attributes. Disgusting tends to be more commonly used to describe things that are physically unpleasant or offensive to the senses, such as bad smells or unappetizing sights.

Repulsive, on the other hand, is often used to describe things that are morally abhorrent or deeply disturbing, such as acts of violence or cruelty. It carries a heavier emotional weight and is often reserved for things that are considered to be particularly heinous or vile.

Another key difference between the two words is their intensity. Disgusting is a strong word that conveys a sense of intense dislike or aversion, but repulsive takes it a step further by conveying a sense of deep revulsion or horror. Repulsive is often used to describe things that are so offensive or abhorrent that they elicit a visceral reaction of disgust in the person experiencing it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both disgusting and repulsive are words that are used to describe things that cause a strong feeling of aversion or revulsion, there are subtle differences in their meanings and attributes. Disgusting tends to be more commonly used to describe things that are physically unpleasant or offensive to the senses, while repulsive is often used to describe things that are morally abhorrent or deeply disturbing.

Both words convey a sense of intense dislike or aversion, but repulsive carries a heavier emotional weight and is often reserved for things that are considered to be particularly heinous or vile. Understanding the nuances of these two words can help you choose the right one to accurately convey your feelings towards something that you find truly repugnant.