What does repulsively mean?
Repulsively means in a way that is extremely disgusting, unpleasant, or offensive. It is the adverb corresponding to the adjective repulsive and is often stronger and more emotionally charged than the basic description of something unpleasant. The word can refer to physical qualities, such as appearance, smell, sound, or texture, as well as attitudes, behaviour, and language that provoke intense dislike. In expressions such as 'repulsively loud' or 'repulsively smug', it intensifies the unpleasant quality being described and may imply arrogance or moral distaste. It is used in both British and American English and is especially useful when the speaker wants to express not merely disapproval but a forceful sense of disgust or rejection.
adverbIn a manner that causes intense disgust or aversion; extremely offensively or unpleasantly.
- In a way that causes disgust, aversion, or strong physical dislike.
"The advertisement portrayed her rival's success in a repulsively exaggerated way."
"He dismissed the idea with a repulsively dismissive gesture."
"The colour combination was so repulsively bright that she changed the room."
Repulsively is the adverb form of a word that can describe not only physical disgust but also the intensely unwelcome force of someone's attitude.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does repulsively come from?
The adverb is formed from the adjective repulsive, which in turn comes from the Latin repellere, meaning 'to drive back' or 'repel'. The same Latin root also produced repulsion and repulse, while the idea of driving something or someone away underlies the modern sense of causing disgust or aversion.
Related word forms
How repulsively is actually used
Strongly negative and usually more emphatic than simply 'in a repulsive way'. It is commonly used before adjectives such as 'loud', 'ugly', 'vulgar', or 'aggressive', and often conveys moral as well as physical disgust.
Easily confused with repulsively
No distinct meaning is commonly confused with this word; it is simply the adverb derived from the adjective repulsive.