Vocabulary Spotlight
Abominal
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Extremely bad, unpleasant, or detestable; worthy of causing disgust.
“His abominal behavior made everyone uncomfortable at the gathering.”
Pronunciation
[uh-BOM-uh-nuhl]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Horrible
Vile
Repugnant
Disgusting
Antonyms
Pleasant
Appealing
Agreeable
Pleasurable
Related Words
Abominate (verb)
Word Origin
“Abominal” is derived from the Latin word “abominabilis,” meaning “worthy of detestation or revulsion.” The root “abomin-” is related to the idea of repulsion or strong dislike, connecting it with Latin terms related to disgust and aversion.
Word Family
Verb: Abominate – To regard with intense dislike or hatred.
Adjective: Abominable – Causing moral revulsion; very unpleasant.
Mnemonics
An BOMb Is Not A Lovable thing
This mnemonic highlights that something “abominal” (bad or unpleasant) is indeed not lovable.
Industry-specific Usage
Literature
In literature, characters with abominal traits are often portrayed as antagonists, making readers feel disgusted by their actions or attitudes.
Psychology
In psychology, “abominal” may describe traits or behaviors that elicit disgust or severe disapproval in social contexts.
Sociology
In sociology, abominal practices are those considered morally repugnant, often resulting in societal backlash or alienation.
In Context
The term “abominal” is often used to describe actions, behaviors, or characteristics that are morally or ethically disturbing. It can be applied to human behavior, societal norms, or even fictional characters that evoke strong feelings of disgust or contempt.