Repulsivo refers to something so unpleasant that it triggers an immediate, visceral reaction of rejection or disgust.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes something causing intense physical or moral disgust.
- Indicates a strong desire to avoid or reject something.
- Used for both physical objects and abstract concepts.
Overview
La palabra 'repulsivo' deriva del latín 'repulsivus' y se emplea para expresar una reacción de rechazo intenso. No se limita solo a lo físico, sino que abarca dimensiones morales y sociales. Es un término fuerte que implica que el sujeto siente una necesidad inmediata de alejarse de aquello que lo provoca. 2) Usage Patterns: Se utiliza principalmente con verbos copulativos como 'ser' o 'parecer'. Por ejemplo, 'Su actitud me resulta repulsiva'. También puede modificar directamente a un sustantivo: 'Un olor repulsivo emanaba de la alcantarilla'. Es un adjetivo que admite grados, pudiendo ser 'muy repulsivo' o 'absolutamente repulsivo' para enfatizar la intensidad del sentimiento. 3) Common Contexts: Es frecuente en descripciones de higiene, donde se usa para olores o suciedad extrema. En contextos sociales, se emplea para criticar conductas éticamente cuestionables, como la crueldad o la traición. También es común en el ámbito de la literatura de terror o crítica cinematográfica para describir monstruos o villanos. 4) Similar Words comparison: A diferencia de 'desagradable', que es un término genérico para algo que no gusta, 'repulsivo' denota una reacción visceral. Mientras que 'asqueroso' es más coloquial y enfocado en la suciedad física, 'repulsivo' tiene un matiz ligeramente más formal y puede aplicarse con mayor peso a conceptos abstractos y morales.
Examples
Ese olor a podrido es absolutamente repulsivo.
everydayThat rotten smell is absolutely repulsive.
Su conducta ante los más vulnerables me parece repulsiva.
formalHis behavior toward the most vulnerable seems repulsive to me.
¡Qué bicho tan repulsivo!
informalWhat a repulsive bug!
El autor describe un entorno repulsivo lleno de corrupción.
academicThe author describes a repulsive environment full of corruption.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
me resulta repulsivo
I find it repulsive
un personaje repulsivo
a repulsive character
acto repulsivo
repulsive act
Often Confused With
Repulsado is a technical term used in metalworking or manufacturing (spinning). It is not related to the emotion of disgust.
Repelente can mean repulsive, but it is also used as a noun for products that keep insects away (e.g., mosquito repellent).
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Repulsivo is a strong adjective used in both formal and informal registers. While it is common in daily speech to describe physical things, it carries more weight when used in formal settings to describe moral or ethical failures. Avoid using it lightly, as it expresses a very high degree of aversion.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is confusing it with 'repelente' in contexts where the insect-repellent meaning might cause confusion. Another error is using it to describe something simply 'boring'; it should be reserved for things that are actively disgusting or morally wrong. Ensure correct gender agreement with the noun it modifies.
Tips
Use for strong emphasis
Use 'repulsivo' when you want to express a stronger feeling than just 'not liking' something. It conveys a visceral, almost physical reaction.
Avoid overuse
Because it is a strong word, using it too frequently can make your language sound overly dramatic. Reserve it for things that truly provoke intense aversion.
Cultural nuance in Spanish
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone 'repulsivo' is a very serious social condemnation. It often signals the end of a polite conversation.
Word Origin
The word comes from the Latin 'repulsivus', derived from the verb 'repellere', meaning 'to drive back'. It entered Spanish to describe the psychological and physical urge to push something away due to disgust.
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, expressing strong aversion using 'repulsivo' is a clear way to establish boundaries. It is often used in political or social discourse to denounce actions that go against common moral values.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'repel'. If something is 'repulsivo', it acts like a magnet of opposite poles that pushes you away instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsAunque son sinónimos, 'repulsivo' suele ser un poco más formal y enfático. 'Asqueroso' se usa frecuentemente en el lenguaje cotidiano para suciedad, mientras que 'repulsivo' puede describir mejor una conducta moralmente despreciable.
Sí, se puede usar para describir a una persona, pero implica un juicio muy severo sobre su carácter o sus acciones. Significa que la persona causa una aversión profunda debido a su comportamiento.
Es un término descriptivo fuerte. Si se utiliza para describir a alguien, es altamente ofensivo, ya que expresa un rechazo total hacia esa persona.
El antónimo más directo es 'atractivo' o 'encantador', dependiendo del contexto. Si algo no causa rechazo, se considera agradable o atrayente.
Test Yourself
Completa la oración con la opción correcta.
El olor que salía de la basura era realmente ___.
El contexto de basura implica un olor desagradable, por lo que 'repulsivo' es la palabra adecuada.
Elige el sinónimo más cercano.
¿Qué palabra es similar a 'repulsivo'?
Ambos términos describen algo que causa una fuerte aversión o asco.
Ordena las palabras para formar una oración.
su / era / comportamiento / repulsivo
La estructura correcta sigue Sujeto + Verbo + Adjetivo.
🎉 Score: /3
Summary
Repulsivo refers to something so unpleasant that it triggers an immediate, visceral reaction of rejection or disgust.
- Describes something causing intense physical or moral disgust.
- Indicates a strong desire to avoid or reject something.
- Used for both physical objects and abstract concepts.
Use for strong emphasis
Use 'repulsivo' when you want to express a stronger feeling than just 'not liking' something. It conveys a visceral, almost physical reaction.
Avoid overuse
Because it is a strong word, using it too frequently can make your language sound overly dramatic. Reserve it for things that truly provoke intense aversion.
Cultural nuance in Spanish
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone 'repulsivo' is a very serious social condemnation. It often signals the end of a polite conversation.
Examples
4 of 4Ese olor a podrido es absolutamente repulsivo.
That rotten smell is absolutely repulsive.
Su conducta ante los más vulnerables me parece repulsiva.
His behavior toward the most vulnerable seems repulsive to me.
¡Qué bicho tan repulsivo!
What a repulsive bug!
El autor describe un entorno repulsivo lleno de corrupción.
The author describes a repulsive environment full of corruption.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
abatido
B1Feeling or showing great sadness or discouragement; dejected.
abatimiento
B2State of being low in spirits; dejection or depression.
abatir
B1To make someone feel dejected or disheartened.
abierto/a de mente
B2Open-minded; willing to consider new ideas; unprejudiced.
aborrecer
B1To regard with disgust and hatred; to loathe.
abrazar
A1To put one's arms around someone as a sign of affection.
abrazo
A1An act of holding someone closely in one's arms; a hug.
abrumador
B1Overpowering; very great or intense.
abrumar
B1To overwhelm (someone) with a large amount of something.
aburrida
A2Bored or boring (for a female).
