Definitions
- Describing something that is extremely bad or of very low quality. - Referring to a situation or performance that is very disappointing or unsatisfactory. - Talking about a feeling of hopelessness or despair.
- Describing something that is shocking and horrifying. - Referring to a situation or behavior that is morally repugnant or unacceptable. - Talking about a feeling of disgust or revulsion.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe negative situations or qualities.
- 2Both convey a strong sense of disapproval or condemnation.
- 3Both can be used to express a feeling of disappointment or frustration.
- 4Both are adjectives that can modify nouns.
What is the difference?
- 1Intensity: Appalling is more intense than abysmal, conveying a stronger sense of shock or horror.
- 2Moral judgment: Appalling often implies a moral judgment, while abysmal does not necessarily carry this connotation.
- 3Scope: Abysmal can refer to a wide range of negative qualities or situations, while appalling is more specific to situations that are morally reprehensible.
- 4Usage: Abysmal is more commonly used in everyday language, while appalling is more formal and less frequently used.
Remember this!
Abysmal and appalling are synonyms that describe negative situations or qualities. However, appalling is more intense and carries a stronger moral judgment than abysmal. While abysmal is more versatile and commonly used in everyday language, appalling is more formal and specific to situations that are morally reprehensible.