distasted

"Distasted" is the past tense and past participle of the now-obsolete English verb "distaste," which meant to dislike something or regard it with displeasure. The word combines the negative prefix "dis-" with "taste," so its literal sense is to have a bad taste in one's mouth about a thing, whether literally in flavour or figuratively in sentiment. In historical usage it appeared chiefly in literary and formal prose: writers might say that a courtier "distasted" the king's decision, meaning he resented or took offence at it. Today the verb survives only in older texts, while its relatives remain current — "distaste" as a noun describing mild aversion, and "distasteful" as an adjective meaning unpleasant or offensive. Readers encountering "distasted" should understand it as simply "disliked" or "resented," with no stronger connotation than those modern equivalents.

Archaic past tense of the verb 'distaste', meaning to dislike or feel distaste for something. The verb form is now largely obsolete, surviving mainly in older literary texts.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Etymology of distasted

The verb "distaste" derives from Middle French "desgouster"/Old French roots combining "des-" (from Latin "dis-", indicating negation) with "gouster/goûter" (to taste), ultimately from Latin "gustare", to taste. It entered English around the late 16th century, when "distaste" functioned as both noun and verb before settling into primarily nominal use. Cognates include French "goût" (taste) and Spanish "gusto", all descending from Latin "gustare".

Related word forms

How distasted is actually used

Strictly archaic. Modern English uses 'distaste' as a noun ('a distaste for violence') or 'distasteful' as an adjective; the verb form is found only in historical or literary contexts.

Easily confused with distasted

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Rhymes with distasted