Repulsive vs. Revolting

Attribute	Repulsive	Revolting
Definition	Causing a strong feeling of disgust or aversion	Causing intense disgust or horror
Synonyms	Disgusting, offensive, unpleasant	Abhorrent, detestable, loathsome
Intensity	Less severe than revolting	More intense than repulsive
Usage	Commonly used to describe unpleasant things or situations	Often used to describe something that evokes strong feelings of disgust or horror

Definition

Repulsive and revolting are two adjectives that are often used interchangeably to describe something that causes a strong feeling of disgust or aversion. However, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can affect how they are used in context.

Repulsive

The word "repulsive" is typically used to describe something that is extremely unpleasant or offensive to the senses. It can refer to physical attributes, behaviors, or ideas that evoke a strong feeling of disgust. For example, a repulsive odor might make you want to cover your nose, while a repulsive comment might make you cringe in disgust.

Repulsive can also be used to describe something that is unattractive or off-putting in appearance. This could refer to a repulsive-looking creature in a horror movie or a repulsive stain on a piece of clothing. Overall, repulsive tends to focus on the sensory aspects of something that is disgusting or offensive.

Revolting

On the other hand, the word "revolting" is often used to describe something that is so disgusting or offensive that it causes a strong feeling of revolt or rebellion. It implies a sense of extreme disgust that goes beyond mere repulsion. For example, a revolting act of violence might make you feel sick to your stomach and question the state of humanity.

Revolting can also be used to describe something that is morally or ethically repugnant. This could refer to a revolting injustice or a revolting violation of human rights. In this sense, revolting carries a heavier emotional weight than repulsive and is often used to convey a sense of outrage or indignation.

Usage

When choosing between "repulsive" and "revolting," it is important to consider the specific context in which you are using the word. If you are describing something that simply causes a feeling of disgust or aversion, "repulsive" may be the more appropriate choice. However, if you are emphasizing the extreme nature of the disgust or the moral implications of the situation, "revolting" may be the better option.

It is also worth noting that "repulsive" is a more common and versatile term that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while "revolting" is often reserved for situations that evoke a stronger emotional response. Ultimately, the choice between the two words depends on the level of intensity and emotional impact you want to convey in your description.

Examples

To illustrate the difference between "repulsive" and "revolting," consider the following examples:

• A repulsive smell wafted from the garbage can, causing everyone in the room to gag.
• The revolting sight of the crime scene made the detective question his faith in humanity.
• Her repulsive behavior towards her coworkers alienated everyone in the office.
• The revolting act of animal cruelty sparked outrage and calls for justice.

In these examples, "repulsive" is used to describe something that is unpleasant or offensive, while "revolting" is used to convey a stronger sense of disgust and outrage. By choosing the appropriate word for the situation, you can effectively communicate the intensity of your feelings and reactions.

Conclusion

While "repulsive" and "revolting" are similar in meaning, they have distinct nuances that can affect how they are used in context. Understanding the differences between these two words can help you choose the most appropriate term to convey your feelings of disgust or aversion. Whether you opt for "repulsive" to describe something unattractive or "revolting" to convey a sense of outrage, both words have their own unique strengths in capturing the intensity of negative emotions.