What does abominably mean?
"Abominably" is an adverb meaning in a manner that is detestable, loathsome, or deserving of intense dislike, or — more broadly — to an extremely unpleasant degree. It derives from the adjective "abominable," which traces back through Old French to the Latin abominari, meaning to deprecate as an ill omen. In modern usage the word appears in two main ways: first, to condemn actions regarded as cruel, disgraceful, or morally outrageous, as in "the prisoners were abominably treated"; second, as an emphatic intensifier of unpleasant states or qualities, as in "abominably cold weather" or "he behaved abominably at dinner." The word carries a strong negative charge and a slightly formal register, making it commoner in written and rhetorical English than in casual conversation, where speakers more often reach for "dreadfully," "terribly," or "awfully." Its related forms include the adjective "abominable," the verb "abominate," and the noun "abomination."
In a manner causing disgust, loathing, or moral outrage; disgracefully or detestably.
"They were abominably treated throughout their imprisonment."
Often used with passive verbs such as treated, housed, or paid when condemning injustice.
To an extremely unpleasant or severe degree; used as an intensifier.
"It was abominably hot inside the packed auditorium."
Typically modifies adjectives describing uncomfortable conditions, such as cold, hot, or crowded.
Before it meant 'utterly detestable,' the Latin root of "abominably" was once folk-etymologically linked to being far from human — literally "away from omen," as if the word described things too dreadful for ordinary people to contemplate.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of abominably
"Abominably" comes from the adjective "abominable," formed from the Latin verb abominari, meaning to deprecate or pronounce something as an ill omen — from ab- (away from) plus omen. The word passed into Middle English via Old French abominable during the medieval period, and the adverb followed soon after. A popular medieval folk etymology connected the Latin root with ab homine, meaning "away from humanity," suggesting something so vile it was removed from human nature; this derivation is now rejected but reflects how strongly negative the word has always been. Cognate forms include the verb "abominate" and the noun "abomination," all sharing the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How abominably is actually used
"Abominably" is somewhat formal and literary in tone; in everyday speech, words like "dreadfully," "terribly," or "awfully" are more common. It carries a strongly negative connotation and is used either to condemn behaviour as shameful or to intensify unpleasant conditions.
Easily confused with abominably
"Abominable" is an adjective describing something as detestable or very bad, while "abominably" is the adverb describing how an action is done.