Vocabulary Spotlight
Abominable
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Causing moral revulsion; very bad or unpleasant.
“The prisoners were kept in abominable conditions, without basic necessities.”
Pronunciation
[əˈbɑmɪnəbl]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Detestable
Repulsive
Loathsome
Disgusting
Antonyms
Pleasant
Admirable
Enjoyable
Lovely
Related Words
Revulsion (noun)
Loathe (verb)
Word Origin
“Abominable” originates from the Latin word “abominari,” meaning “to detest” or “to turn away in horror.” The prefix “ab-” means “away” and “omin” is related to omens, indicating something horrifying or evil.
Word Family
Noun: Abomination – Something that causes disgust or hatred.
Adjective: Abominable – Causing revulsion; very unpleasant.
Mnemonics
Think of “Abominable” as “A Bomb” – something terrible or causing fear, reminding us of something horrific.
Alternatively, remember “Abominable” by associating it with “Abominate,” which also means to detest or hate.
Industry-specific Usage
Media
In media, “abominable” might describe shocking news events or conditions that generate public outcry.
Ethics
In ethical discussions, “abominable” refers to actions considered morally reprehensible or disgusting.
Literature
In literature, characters or events are sometimes described as abominable to create horror or evoke strong emotions in the reader.
In Context
“Abominable” is often used to describe something that is morally offensive or extremely unpleasant. It is a strong term that conveys intense dislike or horror, commonly applied to describe actions, conditions, or characters with evil or repulsive qualities.