What does repellently mean?
Repellently is an adverb used to indicate that something is repulsive or unpleasant. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe a wide range of things, from smells and odors to sights and sounds. The word often carries a strong negative connotation, implying that something is not only unpleasant but also potentially harmful or disturbing. Repellently is widely used in both British and American English, with no notable regional differences. It is distinct from words like 'repulsively' or 'disgustingly', which also describe something as repulsive or unpleasant, but may have slightly different connotations or usage patterns. Overall, repellently is a useful word for describing something as repulsive or unpleasant, and can be used in a variety of contexts to convey a strong negative impression.
adverbUsed to indicate that something is repulsive or unpleasant.
- Used to indicate that something is repulsive or unpleasant.
"The smell of the dumpster was repellently foul."
"The smell of the dumpster was repellently foul."
"The repellently bright colors of the painting were overwhelming."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of repellently
The word 'repellently' is derived from the verb 'repel', which means to drive or keep away. The adverb 'repellently' is formed by adding the suffix '-ly' to the verb, which is a common way to form adverbs in English. The word 'repellently' has been in use since the 17th century, and has been widely used in both British and American English to describe something as repulsive or unpleasant.
Usage notes
Formal or informal usage: repellently can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe something as repulsive or unpleasant. Connotation: repellently often carries a strong negative connotation, implying that something is not only unpleasant but also potentially harmful or disturbing. Common collocations: repellently is often used in combination with words like 'smell', 'odor', 'sight', or 'sound' to describe something as repulsive or unpleasant. Regional differences: repellently is widely used in both British and American English, with no notable regional differences. Distinctions from similar words: repellently is distinct from words like 'repulsively' or 'disgustingly', which also describe something as repulsive or unpleasant, but may have slightly different connotations or usage patterns.