completely detestable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely detestable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong dislike or aversion towards a person, action, or thing. Example: "The way he treated his colleagues was completely detestable and unacceptable in our workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In person, Hillary Clinton is not at all detestable; in fact, quite the opposite.

The New Yorker

Alfredo Narciso manages to make Picasso arrogant without being totally detestable, issuing put-downs so matter-of-factly that they feel like punch lines.

The New York Times

The villains are all detestable weaklings.

Huffington Post

"All of them are typical detestable human beings, and it bred an aura of innumerable negative emotions for me.

Huffington Post

Hitler was, after all, a human being, even if an especially obnoxious, detestable specimen.

The Guardian - Film

He was detestable".

The Guardian - Books

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

The Economist

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

It's merely that the French are detestable".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "completely detestable", ensure that the context warrants such strong language. Overuse can dilute its impact, so reserve it for situations where the sentiment is genuinely felt.

Common error

Avoid using "completely detestable" in casual or trivial contexts. Its intensity can be jarring if not appropriately matched with the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely detestable" functions as an intensifier combined with an adjective. The adverb "completely" amplifies the negative sentiment conveyed by the adjective "detestable", expressing a strong aversion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "completely detestable" serves to express a significant level of dislike or aversion. Grammatically correct, it functions as an adverb-adjective combination, intensifying the negative sentiment. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. While relatively rare, it finds its place in diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media, as well as academic settings. Consider "utterly abhorrent" or "totally despicable" as similar phrases for alternative options. Using this effectively involves ensuring that the intensity of the expression matches the gravity of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thoroughly detestable

Similar in structure but replaces "completely" with "thoroughly", offering a slight variation in emphasis.

unreservedly detestable

Adds an element of certainty and lack of hesitation in the feeling of detestation.

utterly abhorrent

Emphasizes a sense of moral repugnance, adding a stronger emotional charge.

totally despicable

Focuses on the contemptible nature of something, highlighting its worthlessness.

absolutely loathsome

Conveys intense disgust, suggesting something is deeply offensive.

wholly repugnant

Emphasizes the revolting nature of something, suggesting it causes strong aversion.

entirely hateful

Highlights the element of hatred, emphasizing strong animosity.

thoroughly reprehensible

Indicates strong disapproval, suggesting something is morally wrong and deserving of condemnation.

patently odious

Highlights the obvious and offensive nature of something.

abjectly detestable

Focuses on the miserable or wretched nature of something, intensifying the feeling of detestation.

FAQs

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

Use "completely detestable" to express a strong feeling of dislike or aversion. For example, "The character's actions were "completely detestable", making it difficult to sympathize with him."

What are some alternatives to "completely detestable"?

You can use alternatives like "utterly abhorrent", "totally despicable", or "absolutely loathsome" to convey similar feelings.

Is "completely detestable" too strong for formal writing?

While "completely detestable" is a strong phrase, its appropriateness depends on the context and audience. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "thoroughly reprehensible" or "wholly repugnant" if a more restrained tone is desired.

What makes something "completely detestable"?

Something is "completely detestable" when it evokes a strong feeling of disgust, aversion, or moral outrage. It implies a deep-seated dislike and a sense that something is deeply offensive or wrong.