English vocabulary · C1
Repugnant
/rɪˈpʌɡ.nənt/ · adj.
Repugnant describes something so bad or wrong that you want to move away from it. Your body or mind says no at once.
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Example sentences
- The spoiled meat smelled repugnant.
- They rejected the repugnant plan at once.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- re — back (from Latin)
- pugn — fight (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- DISGUSTING — very bad to see or smell (Makes You Feel Sick)
- REVOLTING — causing strong dislike (Makes You Pull Away)
- HATEFUL — full of hate (Morally Ugly)
Words with the same root
pugn — fight
- impugn — question something as false
- pugnacious — ready to fight
Lesson notes
Repugnant describes something so bad or wrong that you want to move away from it. Your body or mind says no at once.
Related: disgusting, revolting, hateful. Use repugnant when something feels deeply wrong.
The spoiled meat smelled repugnant. They rejected the repugnant plan at once.
From Latin. Re- means back. Pugn- means fight. Fighting back from what feels wrong is repugnant.