What does repugnantly mean?
Repugnantly is an adverb meaning in a way that is deeply objectionable, disgusting, or morally offensive. It describes conduct, language, conditions, or attitudes that provoke strong disgust or outrage rather than ordinary criticism. For example, one might call a policy repugnantly unfair or describe a depiction of suffering as repugnantly cruel. The word belongs to formal and literary English and is more emphatic than simply saying that something is bad, unpleasant, or unfair. It derives from repugnant, which in turn comes from a Latin root associated with opposition or resistance. Repugnantly is useful when the speaker wants to convey not merely dissatisfaction but a powerful sense that something violates basic moral or aesthetic standards.
adverbIn a way that is deeply objectionable, disgusting, or contrary to one's strongest feelings.
- In a manner that is deeply objectionable, disgusting, or contrary to one's strongest feelings.
"The proposal was presented as a practical measure, but its repugnantly harsh consequences were impossible to ignore."
"The committee rejected the proposal because it treated the affected workers in a repugnantly unfair manner."
"Her repugnantly vivid description of the corruption left the audience unable to speak."
Repugnantly describes not merely what is unpleasant, but what is so objectionable that it provokes disgust or moral outrage.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does repugnantly come from?
Repugnantly derives from the adjective repugnant, which comes from Latin repugnantem, the present participle of repugnare, meaning to oppose or resist. The English adjective entered use in the seventeenth century in senses connected with opposition and later with strong dislike or disgust. The adverb was formed by adding the suffix -ly to the adjective.
How repugnantly is actually used
The word is strongly emphatic and usually expresses moral disgust, outrage, or intense disapproval. It is more common in formal or literary prose than in everyday neutral speech.
Easily confused with repugnantly
Repugnant is an adjective meaning deeply objectionable, whereas repugnantly is the adverb describing the manner in which something is objectionable.