What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
loathsome
Example
The smell of the garbage was loathsome and made me feel sick. [loathsome: adjective]
Example
I find his attitude towards women to be loathsome and unacceptable. [loathsome: adjective]
Example
The idea of eating insects is loathsome to many people in Western cultures. [loathsome: adjective]
repulsive
Example
The sight of the rotting food was repulsive and made me want to vomit. [repulsive: adjective]
Example
His aggressive behavior towards others was repulsive and made people uncomfortable. [repulsive: adjective]
Example
The thought of being trapped in a small, dark space is repulsive to many people. [repulsive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Repulsive is more commonly used than loathsome in everyday language. Repulsive is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while loathsome is less common and may be considered more formal or literary in tone.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between loathsome and repulsive?
Loathsome is sometimes considered more formal or literary in tone than repulsive, which is more commonly used in everyday language. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation and audience.
