What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
repulsion
Example
The smell of rotten eggs filled the room, causing a sense of repulsion. [repulsion: noun]
Example
The magnets showed signs of repulsion when brought too close together. [repulsion: noun]
Example
The repellent spray was effective in repulsing the mosquitoes. [repulsing: verb]
detestation
Example
She felt a deep detestation towards her ex-husband after their divorce. [detestation: noun]
Example
The politician's actions were met with widespread detestation from the public. [detestation: noun]
Example
I detest the taste of cilantro in my food. [detest: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Detestation is less common than repulsion in everyday language. Repulsion is more versatile and can be employed in various contexts, while detestation is more specific and tends to be used in more extreme situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between repulsion and detestation?
Both repulsion and detestation are formal words that are not commonly used in informal settings. However, repulsion is more commonly used in scientific or technical contexts, while detestation is more commonly used in literary or expressive contexts.
