repulsivo in 30 Seconds
- Repulsivo means intensely disgusting or causing strong aversion.
- It describes things that make you want to reject them immediately.
- Use it for strong negative reactions to sights, smells, or actions.
- Remember to match gender and number: repulsivo/a/os/as.
- Definition
- The Portuguese adjective 'repulsivo' describes something that causes a strong feeling of disgust, aversion, or intense dislike. It's used when something is so unpleasant, offensive, or vile that it makes you want to turn away or reject it immediately.
- Nuance
- 'Repulsivo' goes beyond mere dislike. It implies a visceral, almost physical reaction of revulsion. It can apply to a wide range of things, from the smell of rotting food to morally reprehensible actions or even certain appearances.
- Usage Scenarios
- You might use 'repulsivo' to describe a deeply unpleasant smell, a disgusting sight, a cruel act, or even a character in a story who embodies all that is vile. It's a strong word, so it's typically reserved for things that genuinely evoke a strong negative emotional or physical response.
Aquele lixo acumulado na rua tinha um cheiro verdadeiramente repulsivo.
As atitudes dele eram tão cruéis que as achamos completamente repulsivas.
- Adjective Form
- 'Repulsivo' is an adjective. Remember that in Portuguese, adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. So, 'repulsivo' (masculine singular) becomes 'repulsiva' (feminine singular), 'repulsivos' (masculine plural), and 'repulsivas' (feminine plural).
- Intensity
- This word carries a strong negative connotation. It's not a mild term for something you just don't like; it signifies a deep sense of aversion or disgust.
A cena do crime era chocante e repulsiva.
- Basic Structure
- The adjective 'repulsivo' (or its variations) typically follows the noun it describes, often after a form of the verb 'ser' (to be) or 'estar' (to be). It needs to agree in gender and number with the noun.
O cheiro daquele lugar era repulsivo.
- Describing Objects/Things
- When referring to inanimate objects or abstract concepts that evoke disgust, use the appropriate gender and number. For example, 'um inseto repulsivo' (a repulsive insect) or 'uma ideia repulsiva' (a repulsive idea).
Aquele filme continha cenas repulsivas.
- Describing Actions/Behaviors
- You can also use 'repulsivo' to describe actions, behaviors, or attitudes that are morally offensive or disgusting. For instance, 'um ato repulsivo' (a repulsive act) or 'um comportamento repulsivo' (repulsive behavior).
A ganância dele era tão grande que se tornava repulsiva.
- With Nouns
- Sometimes, 'repulsivo' can be used directly after a noun, especially in more descriptive or literary contexts, though using 'ser' or 'estar' is more common.
Encontrei um tipo de mofo repulsivo no porão.
- Adverbial Use (Indirect)
- While 'repulsivo' is an adjective, adverbs derived from it can modify verbs. The adverb is 'repulsivamente'. For example, 'Ele agiu repulsivamente' (He acted repulsively).
A multidão reagiu repulsivamente à notícia.
- Everyday Conversations
- You'll hear 'repulsivo' in casual conversations when people are describing something they find truly disgusting. This could be about food gone bad, a particularly unpleasant smell encountered on the street, or even a gross-out moment in a movie or TV show. For example, someone might say, 'O lixo que ficou na praia depois da festa estava repulsivo.' (The garbage left on the beach after the party was repulsive.)
Que inseto horrível! O aspecto dele é completamente repulsivo.
- News and Media
- Journalists and commentators might use 'repulsivo' when reporting on or discussing situations that are morally reprehensible, shocking, or deeply unpleasant. This could include reports on crime, corruption, environmental disasters, or human rights abuses. For instance, 'A notícia sobre a crueldade contra os animais foi repulsiva.'
O nível de corrupção descoberto era repulsivo.
- Literature and Film
- Authors and filmmakers often use 'repulsivo' to describe characters, settings, or events that are intended to evoke strong negative emotions in the audience. This is common in genres like horror, thriller, or social commentary where exploring the darker aspects of human nature or society is central. A villain's actions might be described as 'repulsivas'.
O personagem principal tinha um sorriso repulsivo.
- Discussions on Ethics and Morality
- In academic or philosophical discussions, 'repulsivo' might be used to describe actions or ideologies that are considered morally repugnant or fundamentally unacceptable by societal standards. For example, discussing the ethics of certain historical practices.
A exploração de trabalho infantil é uma prática repulsiva.
- Confusing with Mild Dislike
- Mistake: Using 'repulsivo' for something that is merely unappealing or slightly annoying. For example, calling a slightly bland meal 'repulsivo'.Correction: 'Repulsivo' implies a strong, visceral reaction of disgust. For mild dislike, use words like 'desagradável' (unpleasant), 'pouco atraente' (unattractive), or 'não gostei muito' (I didn't like it much).Example: Instead of 'A sopa estava repulsiva', say 'A sopa estava um pouco sem graça' (The soup was a bit bland).
Incorrecto: Este livro é repulsivo.
- Gender and Number Agreement
- Mistake: Failing to make the adjective agree with the noun it modifies. Forgetting to change 'repulsivo' to 'repulsiva', 'repulsivos', or 'repulsivas' as needed.Correction: Always ensure the adjective matches the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the noun. For example, 'uma situação repulsiva' (a repulsive situation) not 'um situação repulsivo'.Example: Correct: 'As suas ações eram repulsivas.' (His actions were repulsive.)
Incorrecto: Encontrei umas ideias repulsivo.
- Overusing the Word
- Mistake: Using 'repulsivo' too frequently, which can dilute its impact and make your language sound overly dramatic or negative.Correction: Reserve 'repulsivo' for situations where it truly conveys extreme disgust. For other negative sentiments, use a wider range of vocabulary.Example: Instead of saying everything you dislike is 'repulsivo', use 'chato' (boring), 'irritante' (annoying), or 'desinteressante' (uninteresting) for less intense feelings.
Incorrecto: O tempo hoje está repulsivo.
- Repugnante
- 'Repugnante' is very similar to 'repulsivo' and often interchangeable. Both mean disgusting or offensive. 'Repugnante' might sometimes carry a slightly stronger sense of moral offense or revulsion.Example: 'A crueldade demonstrada foi repugnante.' (The cruelty shown was repugnant.)
- Horrível
- 'Horrível' means horrible or terrible. While something 'repulsivo' is certainly 'horrível', 'horrível' can also describe things that are bad but not necessarily disgusting, like a horrible accident or a horrible day.Example: 'Tive um dia horrível no trabalho.' (I had a horrible day at work.) This is less about disgust and more about general badness.
- Nojento
- 'Nojento' is a very common word for disgusting, gross, or sickening. It's often used for physical revulsion, like bad smells or sights that make you feel sick. It's a strong synonym for 'repulsivo' in many contexts, especially concerning physical unpleasantness.Example: 'Que cheiro nojento!' (What a disgusting smell!)
- Repreensível
- 'Repreensível' means reprehensible or blameworthy. It focuses more on the moral aspect of something being wrong or deserving of condemnation, rather than the visceral feeling of disgust. Something 'repulsivo' is often also 'repreensível', but not always.Example: 'As suas ações foram repreensíveis e merecem punição.' (His actions were reprehensible and deserve punishment.)
- Escabroso
- 'Escabroso' often refers to something morally offensive, shocking, scandalous, or indecent, particularly in a sexual or gruesome context. It can overlap with 'repulsivo' when the offensiveness is strong enough to cause disgust.Example: 'O filme continha cenas escabrosas.' (The movie contained gruesome/shocking scenes.)
- Aversivo
- 'Aversivo' means aversive, causing aversion or avoidance. It's a more technical term and might be used in psychology or other fields. It's a good alternative if you want to emphasize the aspect of causing someone to turn away.Example: 'O estímulo era aversivo para os ratos.' (The stimulus was aversive to the rats.)
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The concept of repulsion is fundamental in physics, describing forces that push objects apart, like the interaction between like poles of magnets. The word captures this idea of pushing away.
Pronunciation Guide
- Misplacing stress: Putting emphasis on the first syllable ('REP-ulsive') is incorrect.
- Pronouncing 's' as 'z': The 's' sound should be clear, not voiced like a 'z'.
- Incorrect vowel sounds: Ensure the vowels in the unstressed syllables are short and neutral.
Difficulty Rating
At B1 level, learners can understand 'repulsivo' when encountered in texts describing strong negative reactions or morally questionable situations. Its meaning is usually clear from context.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective Agreement in Portuguese
The adjective 'repulsivo' must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For example: 'o cheiro repulsivo' (masculine singular), 'a ideia repulsiva' (feminine singular), 'os insetos repulsivos' (masculine plural), 'as atitudes repulsivas' (feminine plural).
Use of 'Ser' vs. 'Estar' with Adjectives
'Ser' is used for inherent qualities or permanent characteristics, while 'Estar' is used for temporary states or conditions. For 'repulsivo', 'ser' is more common when describing an inherent quality, but 'estar' can be used if something has become repulsive due to a change. Example: 'O lixo é repulsivo' (The garbage is inherently repulsive) vs. 'O peixe está repulsivo' (The fish has become repulsive).
Adverb Formation
The adjective 'repulsivo' forms the adverb 'repulsivamente' (repulsively). Example: 'Ele agiu repulsivamente.' (He acted repulsively.)
Placement of Adjectives
Adjectives like 'repulsivo' typically follow the noun they modify, especially when linked by 'ser' or 'estar'. Example: 'A cena era repulsiva.' (The scene was repulsive.) Placing it before the noun is less common and more literary: 'Uma repulsiva cena.'
Using 'Muito' and 'Tão' with Adjectives
To intensify the meaning, you can use 'muito' (very) or 'tão' (so). Example: 'O cheiro era muito repulsivo.' (The smell was very repulsive.) 'O cheiro era tão repulsivo que tive que sair.' (The smell was so repulsive that I had to leave.)
Examples by Level
O cheiro é mau.
The smell is bad.
Simple adjective use.
Eu não gosto disso.
I don't like this.
Basic verb and negation.
Aquilo é feio.
That is ugly.
Using 'feio' (ugly).
Não quero ver.
I don't want to see.
Expressing refusal.
Isso me deixa triste.
This makes me sad.
Expressing emotion.
A comida está estragada.
The food is spoiled.
Describing food state.
Que coisa nojenta!
What a disgusting thing!
Using 'nojento' (gross).
Ele é mau.
He is bad.
Describing a person negatively.
O cheiro daquela lixeira é verdadeiramente repulsivo.
The smell of that dumpster is truly repulsive.
'Repulsivo' agrees with 'cheiro' (masculine singular).
As atitudes dele eram repulsivas para todos.
His attitudes were repulsive to everyone.
'Repulsivas' agrees with 'atitudes' (feminine plural).
Aquele filme continha cenas repulsivas que me fizeram querer sair.
That movie contained repulsive scenes that made me want to leave.
'Repulsivas' agrees with 'cenas' (feminine plural).
Ele tinha um comportamento repulsivo em público.
He had repulsive behavior in public.
'Repulsivo' agrees with 'comportamento' (masculine singular).
A ideia de comer insetos crus era repulsiva para ela.
The idea of eating raw insects was repulsive to her.
'Repulsiva' agrees with 'ideia' (feminine singular).
O aspecto daquele inseto era repulsivo.
The appearance of that insect was repulsive.
'Repulsivo' agrees with 'aspecto' (masculine singular).
A crueldade que testemunhámos foi repulsiva.
The cruelty we witnessed was repulsive.
'Repulsiva' agrees with 'crueldade' (feminine singular).
Aquele lugar abandonado parecia repulsivo e perigoso.
That abandoned place looked repulsive and dangerous.
'Repulsivo' agrees with 'lugar' (masculine singular).
A propaganda explorava medos de forma repulsiva, apelando ao primitivo.
The propaganda exploited fears in a repulsive way, appealing to the primitive.
Adverbial use implied via context, adjective modifies the implied subject of the fear exploitation.
O cheiro de decomposição era tão intenso que se tornou repulsivo.
The smell of decomposition was so intense that it became repulsive.
'Repulsivo' agrees with 'cheiro' (masculine singular).
As suas justificações para o ato eram repulsivas e sem lógica.
His justifications for the act were repulsive and illogical.
'Repulsivas' agrees with 'justificações' (feminine plural).
A negligência com o meio ambiente atingiu um nível repulsivo.
The negligence towards the environment reached a repulsive level.
'Repulsivo' agrees with 'nível' (masculine singular).
A forma como tratou os funcionários era repulsiva e desumana.
The way he treated the employees was repulsive and inhumane.
'Repulsiva' agrees with 'forma' (feminine singular).
Encontramos um lodo repulsivo na água do rio.
We found a repulsive sludge in the river water.
'Repulsivo' agrees with 'lodo' (masculine singular).
A exploração da pobreza para ganho pessoal é uma prática repulsiva.
The exploitation of poverty for personal gain is a repulsive practice.
'Repulsiva' agrees with 'prática' (feminine singular).
O discurso de ódio que ele proferiu era repulsivo.
The hate speech he delivered was repulsive.
'Repulsivo' agrees with 'discurso' (masculine singular).
A estética do regime, com sua glorificação da violência, era intrinsecamente repulsiva.
The regime's aesthetic, with its glorification of violence, was intrinsically repulsive.
'Repulsiva' agrees with 'estética' (feminine singular).
O cinismo com que os políticos abordaram a crise era francamente repulsivo.
The cynicism with which the politicians approached the crisis was frankly repulsive.
'Repulsivo' agrees with 'cinismo' (masculine singular).
A manipulação emocional em suas palavras criava uma aura repulsiva.
The emotional manipulation in his words created a repulsive aura.
'Repulsiva' agrees with 'aura' (feminine singular).
A indiferença perante o sofrimento alheio é um traço de caráter repulsivo.
Indifference to the suffering of others is a repulsive character trait.
'Repulsivo' agrees with 'traço' (masculine singular).
O pragmatismo excessivo, desprovido de empatia, pode tornar-se repulsivo.
Excessive pragmatism, devoid of empathy, can become repulsive.
'Repulsivo' agrees with the implied subject of 'pragmatismo'.
A vacuidade de suas declarações era quase repulsiva em sua falta de substância.
The emptiness of his statements was almost repulsive in its lack of substance.
'Repulsiva' agrees with 'vacuidade' (feminine singular).
A ascensão de ideologias extremistas é um fenômeno repulsivo para a democracia.
The rise of extremist ideologies is a repulsive phenomenon for democracy.
'Repulsivo' agrees with 'fenômeno' (masculine singular).
O hedonismo desenfreado, quando desvinculado de qualquer responsabilidade, pode parecer repulsivo.
Unbridled hedonism, when detached from any responsibility, can seem repulsive.
'Repulsivo' agrees with the implied subject of 'hedonismo'.
A desumanização sistemática dos opositores pelo regime criava um quadro moralmente repulsivo.
The systematic dehumanization of opponents by the regime created a morally repulsive picture.
'Repulsivo' agrees with 'quadro' (masculine singular).
A manipulação da verdade para fins políticos atingiu um patamar repulsivo de desonestidade.
The manipulation of truth for political ends reached a repulsive level of dishonesty.
'Repulsivo' agrees with 'patamar' (masculine singular).
O oportunismo descarado, despojado de qualquer escrúpulo, exibia uma faceta repulsiva do caráter humano.
Blatant opportunism, stripped of any scruples, exhibited a repulsive facet of human character.
'Repulsiva' agrees with 'faceta' (feminine singular).
A crueldade gratuita e a indiferença perante o sofrimento eram os pilares de uma ideologia repulsiva.
Gratuitous cruelty and indifference to suffering were the pillars of a repulsive ideology.
'Repulsiva' agrees with 'ideologia' (feminine singular).
A banalização da violência em massa nos media tornou-se um fenómeno quase repulsivo.
The trivialization of mass violence in the media has become an almost repulsive phenomenon.
'Repulsivo' agrees with 'fenómeno' (masculine singular).
O discurso de ódio, quando desprovido de qualquer contenção, revela uma face repulsiva da sociedade.
Hate speech, when devoid of any restraint, reveals a repulsive face of society.
'Repulsiva' agrees with 'face' (feminine singular).
A exploração da vulnerabilidade humana para obter vantagens financeiras é um ato intrinsecamente repulsivo.
The exploitation of human vulnerability for financial gain is an intrinsically repulsive act.
'Repulsivo' agrees with 'ato' (masculine singular).
A complacência perante a injustiça social é um sintoma repulsivo de uma sociedade doente.
Complacency in the face of social injustice is a repulsive symptom of a sick society.
'Repulsivo' agrees with 'sintoma' (masculine singular).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— This is repulsive! A direct exclamation of disgust.
Ao ver a sujeira, ela exclamou: 'Isso é repulsivo!'
— What a repulsive thing! Similar to the above, emphasizing the object or situation.
Ele apontou para o lixo e disse: 'Que coisa repulsiva!'
— With a repulsive air/look. Describing someone's demeanor.
O vilão se aproximou com um ar repulsivo.
— It became repulsive. Indicating a change towards being repulsive.
Com o tempo, a beleza da casa tornou-se repulsiva devido ao abandono.
— To smell repulsive. Describing a strong, unpleasant odor.
O peixe começou a cheirar repulsivo depois de dois dias.
Often Confused With
Very similar, often interchangeable. 'Repugnante' might lean slightly more towards moral offense.
Often used for physical disgust, similar to 'gross' in English. 'Repulsivo' can be broader, including moral disgust.
'Horrível' is more general for 'terrible' or 'horrible'. 'Repulsivo' specifically implies disgust and aversion.
Easily Confused
Both words describe something that causes strong disgust or aversion.
'Repulsivo' often emphasizes the act of pushing away or recoiling, a visceral reaction. 'Repugnante' can sometimes lean more towards moral offensiveness or something that is deeply offensive to one's sensibilities.
O cheiro era <mark>repulsivo</mark>. (Focus on the physical reaction). A crueldade era <mark>repugnante</mark>. (Focus on moral offense).
Both words are used to describe something disgusting.
'Nojento' is very common for physical disgust, like 'gross' or 'sickening'. 'Repulsivo' is often stronger and can also apply to moral or abstract concepts that evoke intense aversion, not just physical revulsion.
Que inseto <mark>nojento</mark>! (What a gross insect!). A ideia dele era <mark>repulsiva</mark>. (His idea was repulsive - implying moral offense).
Both are negative adjectives expressing strong dislike.
'Horrível' means terrible or horrible and can apply to a wide range of negative experiences (a horrible day, a horrible accident). 'Repulsivo' is specifically about causing disgust and aversion, a more intense and specific negative reaction.
O acidente foi <mark>horrível</mark>. (The accident was terrible - focus on severity). A visão do acidente era <mark>repulsiva</mark>. (The sight of the accident was repulsive - focus on the disgusting aspect).
Both describe negative qualities, often related to morality.
'Repreensível' means blameworthy or deserving of condemnation, focusing on the moral wrongness. 'Repulsivo' implies that the action or quality causes disgust or aversion. Something 'repulsivo' is often also 'repreensível', but the focus is different.
Sua conduta foi <mark>repreensível</mark>. (His conduct was blameworthy - focus on moral fault). Sua conduta era <mark>repulsiva</mark>. (His conduct was disgusting/caused aversion - focus on the reaction).
Both can describe offensive or shocking content.
'Escabroso' often relates to shocking, gruesome, indecent, or scandalous content, particularly in a sexual or morbid context. 'Repulsivo' is a more general term for disgust and aversion, though it can overlap if the 'escabroso' content is also disgusting.
O filme continha cenas <mark>escabrosas</mark>. (The movie contained gruesome/indecent scenes). O cheiro da cena era <mark>repulsivo</mark>. (The smell of the scene was repulsive).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + ser/estar + repulsivo/a.
A comida estava repulsiva.
O/A/Os/As + Noun + ser/estar + repulsivo/a/os/as.
O cheiro da lixeira era repulsivo.
Que + Noun + repulsivo/a/os/as!
Que inseto repulsivo!
Adverb + ser/estar + repulsivo/a/os/as.
Isso é francamente repulsivo.
Noun + que + ser/estar + repulsivo/a/os/as.
A forma como ele falou foi repulsiva.
Repulsivo/a/os/as + Noun (literary/emphatic).
Um aspecto repulsivo da situação.
Sentimento + ser + repulsivo/a/os/as.
A ideia era repulsiva.
Contexto + ser + intrinsecamente/moralmente + repulsivo/a/os/as.
O ato era intrinsecamente repulsivo.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Medium-High (especially in contexts of strong negative reactions)
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Using 'repulsivo' for mild dislike.
→
Using 'desagradável' or 'pouco atraente'.
'Repulsivo' implies a strong, visceral reaction of disgust. For mild issues, use softer adjectives. Example: Instead of 'O filme foi repulsivo', say 'O filme foi um pouco chato' (The movie was a bit boring) if it wasn't truly disgusting.
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Incorrect gender/number agreement.
→
Matching the adjective to the noun.
Forgetting to change 'repulsivo' to 'repulsiva', 'repulsivos', or 'repulsivas' based on the noun it modifies is a common error. Always check the noun's gender and number. Example: 'As ideias eram repulsivas' (plural feminine), not 'repulsivo'.
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Confusing 'repulsivo' with 'horrível' or 'feio'.
→
Using 'repulsivo' specifically for disgust/aversion.
'Horrível' means terrible, and 'feio' means ugly. While something repulsive might also be horrible or ugly, 'repulsivo' specifically denotes the feeling of disgust and the urge to recoil. Use 'repulsivo' when the primary reaction is one of aversion.
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Overusing 'repulsivo' for everything negative.
→
Using a wider range of negative adjectives.
Constantly describing things as 'repulsivo' can make your language sound overly dramatic or insincere. Reserve it for situations that truly evoke strong disgust. Use words like 'irritante' (annoying), 'chato' (boring), or 'desinteressante' (uninteresting) for less intense negativity.
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Using 'repulsivo' when 'nojento' is more appropriate.
→
Using 'nojento' for purely physical disgust.
'Nojento' is very common and often preferred for things that are physically gross or sickening (e.g., spoiled food, a slimy creature). 'Repulsivo' can be used for physical disgust too, but it also extends to moral or abstract aversion, making it a bit broader and often stronger.
Tips
Intensity Matters
Remember that 'repulsivo' is a strong word. Use it when you mean something is genuinely disgusting, vile, or morally offensive, not just slightly unappealing. Overusing it can diminish its impact.
Adjective Agreement
Always ensure 'repulsivo' agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Masculine singular: repulsivo. Feminine singular: repulsiva. Masculine plural: repulsivos. Feminine plural: repulsivas.
Sensory and Moral
This word is effective for both physical disgust (smells, sights) and moral disgust (actions, ideas). Consider which aspect you want to emphasize when using 'repulsivo'.
Alternatives for Nuance
While 'repulsivo' is powerful, consider synonyms like 'repugnante' (often for moral offense) or 'nojento' (often for physical grossness) to add subtle variations to your meaning.
Sound Association
Link 'repulsivo' to the English word 'repulse'. When something is repulsive, it makes you want to 'repulse' it – to push it away due to disgust.
Stress the Second Syllable
The stress in 'repulsivo' falls on the second syllable: re-PUL-sivo. Practice saying it to ensure clear pronunciation.
Avoid Overuse
While a useful word, avoid using 'repulsivo' for every minor dislike. Reserve it for genuine instances of strong disgust to maintain its impact.
Practice Agreement
Practice forming sentences with 'repulsivo' and its different forms (repulsiva, repulsivos, repulsivas) to build fluency and accuracy.
Universal Emotion
Disgust is a universal human emotion. 'Repulsivo' effectively communicates this strong feeling across different Portuguese-speaking cultures.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a robot named 'PULSE' (sounds like 'pulsive') that is so disgusting (repulsive) it makes you want to push it away. The 'RE' at the beginning can stand for 'Reject'. So, RE-PULSE-IVE: Reject the disgusting PULSE robot.
Visual Association
Picture a creature with a slimy, green body, multiple eyes, and a horrible smell. It's so revolting that everyone around it is recoiling in disgust. This visual embodies 'repulsivo'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe three things you find genuinely repulsive using the word 'repulsivo' or its variations in Portuguese sentences. Focus on why they are repulsive.
Word Origin
The word 'repulsivo' comes from the Latin word 'repulsivus', which means 'driving back' or 'causing to recoil'. It is derived from the verb 'repellere', meaning 'to drive back, to push away'.
Original meaning: Originally, it referred to a force that pushes things away or drives them back.
Latin -> PortugueseCultural Context
While 'repulsivo' is a strong word, its usage is generally accepted when describing genuinely offensive or disgusting things. However, overusing it for minor issues can sound overly dramatic or insensitive.
The English word 'repulsive' shares the same Latin root and has a very similar meaning, denoting something that causes disgust or aversion.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Describing unpleasant smells.
- cheiro repulsivo
- odor repulsivo
- fedor repulsivo
Describing disgusting sights.
- aspecto repulsivo
- visual repulsivo
- cena repulsiva
Describing morally offensive actions or behaviors.
- comportamento repulsivo
- atitude repulsiva
- ato repulsivo
Describing unpleasant tastes or textures (less common for taste).
- sabor repulsivo
- textura repulsiva
Describing repulsive characters or creatures.
- personagem repulsivo
- criatura repulsiva
- monstro repulsivo
Conversation Starters
"What's the most repulsive smell you've ever encountered?"
"Can you think of a movie character with a truly repulsive personality?"
"What kind of behavior do you find most repulsive?"
"Have you ever seen something so disgusting it was repulsive?"
"What's a practice or idea you consider utterly repulsive?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you encountered something physically repulsive. What was it, and how did you react?
Reflect on a situation where someone's actions or words were morally repulsive. What made them so, and what were the consequences?
Imagine a fictional world where one specific thing is considered universally repulsive. What would it be and why?
Think about a time you had to overcome a feeling of repulsion towards something or someone. What was the process like?
What makes something 'repulsive' versus just 'unpleasant'? Explore the difference in your own words.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'repulsivo' is a strong adjective. It denotes a high degree of disgust, aversion, or moral offensiveness. It's not used for mild dislikes. Think of it as meaning 'gross,' 'disgusting,' or 'revolting.'
'Nojento' is very common for physical disgust (like a bad smell or spoiled food). 'Repulsivo' is broader; it can describe physical disgust but also moral repugnance, offensive behavior, or abstract ideas that cause strong aversion. If something makes you recoil physically or morally, 'repulsivo' is appropriate.
Like most Portuguese adjectives, 'repulsivo' must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. So, you'll use 'repulsivo' for masculine singular nouns (e.g., 'o cheiro repulsivo'), 'repulsiva' for feminine singular nouns (e.g., 'a ideia repulsiva'), 'repulsivos' for masculine plural nouns (e.g., 'os insetos repulsivos'), and 'repulsivas' for feminine plural nouns (e.g., 'as atitudes repulsivas').
Yes, it can be used to describe people, but it's a very strong criticism. It would imply that the person's character, behavior, or appearance is extremely unpleasant and causes disgust or strong aversion. It's not a common way to describe someone you just dislike; it suggests a deeper level of revulsion.
Some common phrases include 'cheiro repulsivo' (repulsive smell), 'aspecto repulsivo' (repulsive appearance), 'comportamento repulsivo' (repulsive behavior), and simply exclaiming 'Isso é repulsivo!' (That's repulsive!).
'Repulsivo' means causing disgust and aversion, making you want to push something away. 'Atraente' means attractive or appealing, making you want to move closer or engage with something. They are direct opposites.
Yes, 'repulsivo' can be used in formal writing, especially when discussing topics that genuinely warrant such a strong descriptor, like ethical violations, severe pollution, or morally reprehensible actions. However, its strong negative connotation means it should be used judiciously.
Yes, the adverb form is 'repulsivamente', meaning 'repulsively'. For example, 'Ele agiu repulsivamente.' (He acted repulsively.)
Appropriate situations include describing the smell of rotting garbage, the appearance of a diseased animal, a cruel act of violence, or a morally corrupt political maneuver. Essentially, anything that triggers a strong visceral or moral rejection.
It's moderately common. While not used in every conversation, it's frequently encountered when people want to express strong negative feelings about something truly disgusting or offensive. You'll hear it more often in discussions about unpleasant experiences or critiques of behavior.
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Summary
The Portuguese adjective 'repulsivo' signifies something that provokes a strong, visceral reaction of disgust or intense aversion, leading to a desire to reject or avoid it. It's a powerful term for extreme unpleasantness, whether physical or moral. For example: 'Aquele cheiro era repulsivo.' (That smell was repulsive.)
- Repulsivo means intensely disgusting or causing strong aversion.
- It describes things that make you want to reject them immediately.
- Use it for strong negative reactions to sights, smells, or actions.
- Remember to match gender and number: repulsivo/a/os/as.
Intensity Matters
Remember that 'repulsivo' is a strong word. Use it when you mean something is genuinely disgusting, vile, or morally offensive, not just slightly unappealing. Overusing it can diminish its impact.
Adjective Agreement
Always ensure 'repulsivo' agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Masculine singular: repulsivo. Feminine singular: repulsiva. Masculine plural: repulsivos. Feminine plural: repulsivas.
Sensory and Moral
This word is effective for both physical disgust (smells, sights) and moral disgust (actions, ideas). Consider which aspect you want to emphasize when using 'repulsivo'.
Alternatives for Nuance
While 'repulsivo' is powerful, consider synonyms like 'repugnante' (often for moral offense) or 'nojento' (often for physical grossness) to add subtle variations to your meaning.
Example
O cheiro do lixo era repulsivo.
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This Word in Other Languages
More emotions words
a sério?
A2seriously?, an expression of surprise, disbelief, or to check earnestness
abalado
A2Emotionally disturbed or upset; shaken.
abalar
A2To shake or disturb (emotionally); to affect deeply.
abalo
A2Shock, emotional disturbance; a sudden, disturbing, or upsetting emotional experience.
abandonado
B1Left by the owner or inhabitants; deserted.
abatidamente
B1In a dejected or disheartened manner; dejectedly.
abatido
A2Dejected; sad and depressed; dispirited.
abatimento
A2Dejection; a sad and depressed state; low spirits.
abertamente
A2openly, frankly; without concealment; publicly.
abismado
B1Filled with astonishment or wonder.
