absolutely detestable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely detestable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong disapproval or disgust towards something or someone. Example: "The way he treated his colleagues was absolutely detestable and unacceptable in our workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was detestable".

The Guardian - Books

It is detestable".

Independent

But the World Series version is detestable.

The New York Times - Sports

"Photographic memory is a detestable myth.

The New York Times - Magazine

That's what is truly detestable".

The New York Times

"Absolutely, absolutely, absolutely, absolutely".

The New York Times

Mr Kershaw admits here that he finds Hitler "detestable".

The Economist

It's merely that the French are detestable".

Independent

It is these things that have made America detestable...

The New York Times

Anything, that is, except spinach, "that detestable degrading vegetable".

The Guardian - Arts

However, unlike in Transparent, none of these people are detestable.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absolutely detestable" when you want to express a very strong feeling of disgust or aversion, emphasizing both the intensity and the personal nature of your dislike. However, consider the audience and context, as it can sound quite strong.

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely detestable" in professional or academic writing where a more neutral or objective tone is expected. Opt for phrases like "highly problematic" or "completely unacceptable" in these situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely detestable" functions as an intensifier ("absolutely") followed by an adjective ("detestable"). It serves to emphasize the extreme dislike or revulsion towards something. As per Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in English, expressing strong disapproval.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absolutely detestable" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a strong negative evaluation. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, the examples show this is a niche expression. When writing, remember to consider the context and choose alternatives like "utterly loathsome" or "completely abhorrent" for formal writing, or when a more powerful adjective is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly loathsome

Emphasizes the feeling of disgust and intense dislike, similar to "absolutely detestable" but perhaps stronger.

completely abhorrent

Highlights the repugnant nature of something, focusing on moral or ethical objections.

truly abominable

Emphasizes the extremely unpleasant and offensive nature of something, often with a religious connotation.

thoroughly despicable

Stresses the contemptible and vile qualities of something, indicating a strong sense of moral disapproval.

positively odious

Highlights the extremely unpleasant and repulsive qualities of something.

totally reprehensible

Focuses on the blameworthy and unacceptable nature of something, often used in a formal context.

unquestionably hateful

Focuses on the intense feeling of hatred that something provokes.

exceptionally offensive

Stresses the capacity of something to cause outrage or hurt feelings.

simply dreadful

A more mild and general expression of dislike, lacking the intensity of "absolutely detestable".

genuinely awful

Expresses a strong negative feeling, but can be used in a wider range of contexts than "absolutely detestable".

FAQs

How can I use "absolutely detestable" in a sentence?

You can use "absolutely detestable" to describe something you find extremely unpleasant or offensive. For instance, "The politician's actions were "absolutely detestable"."

What can I say instead of "absolutely detestable"?

You can use alternatives like "utterly loathsome", "completely abhorrent", or "thoroughly despicable" depending on the context.

Is "absolutely detestable" too strong for formal writing?

Yes, "absolutely detestable" is generally too strong for formal writing. Consider using milder alternatives such as "highly problematic" or "completely unacceptable" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "absolutely detestable" and "somewhat unpleasant"?

"Absolutely detestable" expresses a very strong feeling of disgust, while "somewhat unpleasant" indicates a mild dislike. The former is a strong condemnation, whereas the latter is a gentle criticism.