What is disgust? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "disgust" in English. It's a strong word, conveying a powerful feeling, so it's important to use it correctly.

1. Core Meaning: A Feeling of Strong Revulsion

At its heart, "disgust" is a feeling of intense aversion, revulsion, or loathing. It goes beyond simple dislike. It’s a deeply unpleasant emotion, often triggered by something considered offensive, repulsive, or morally wrong.

2. How to Use It – Different Contexts

• As a Noun (the feeling):

  • "I felt a wave of disgust when I saw the mess." (Referring to the emotion itself)
  • "His response provoked a strong disgust in me."
  • "She experienced overwhelming disgust at the thought of eating insects."

• As a Verb (to feel):

  • "I disgusted him with my awful joke." (Meaning you made him feel intensely repulsed or offended)
  • "She disgusted at the lack of decency." (Meaning she was intensely repulsed by it.)
  • "He disgusted her with his constant lying.” (He made her feel intensely repulsed/disgusted by his behavior.)

3. Types of Things That Cause Disgust

Disgust is often related to things we instinctively find offensive or harmful. Here’s a breakdown of common triggers:

• Physical Disgust: This is the most common type. It's a reaction to things that are perceived as unclean, decaying, or potentially dangerous. Examples:

  • “I felt disgust at the smell of rotting food.”
  • “The sight of the spoiled milk was disgusting.”
  • “He had a disgust for raw oysters.”

• Moral Disgust: This is a feeling of revulsion at something considered morally wrong, unethical, or cruel. Examples:

  • “I felt a deep disgust for the way he treated his employees.”
  • “The cruelty of the animal experiment caused widespread disgust."
  • "She felt disgust at the injustice of the situation."

• Social Disgust: This can involve revulsion based on social norms or perceived breaches of etiquette. It’s about feeling repulsed by behaviors that violate what's considered acceptable in a society. Examples:

  • "He was disgusted by the rude manners of the guests."
  • “I felt disgust at the casual sexism in the meeting.”

4. Synonyms and Related Words

• Revulsion: A close synonym – often interchangeable.
• Aversion: A strong dislike or opposition.
• Loathing: A feeling of intense dislike and disgust.
• Dislike: A weaker feeling than disgust.
• Repulsion: Strong feeling of wanting to avoid something.
• Abhorrence: A feeling of profound repugnance or hatred.

5. Important Notes & Nuances

• Intensity: Disgust is a strong emotion. Don't use it lightly. If you're describing something mildly unpleasant, “dislike” or “disapproval” might be more appropriate.

• Subjectivity: What causes disgust varies from person to person and culture to culture. Something that’s disgusting to one person might not be to another.

• Expressions: You can often accompany "disgust" with phrases to add emphasis:

  • "I was absolutely disgusted..."
  • "I was deeply disgusted..."
  • “It was utterly disgusting…”

Example Sentences Demonstrating Different Uses:

• “The politician’s lies completely disgusted me.” (Verb – he made you feel disgusted)
• “She felt a strong disgust for the corruption in the government.” (Noun – the feeling)
• “The sight of the muddy water was disgusting.” (Noun - a repulsive sight)
• "I disgusted him with my constant complaining." (Verb - you behaved in a way that disgusted him)

---

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

• What are you trying to do with the word "disgust"? (e.g., write a story, describe a situation, have a conversation?)