quite abhorrent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite abhorrent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong disapproval or disgust towards something, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "The treatment of the animals in that facility is quite abhorrent and should not be tolerated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

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Vice

"I think for most people who know the reality of colonialism, imperialism, the genocide that happened of the indigenous community, for them the idea of celebrating all of that via Columbus Day is quite abhorrent," Sawant said.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The Obama administration responded forcefully: a State Department spokesperson called the statements "inflammatory", and adding, "They're, quite frankly, abhorrent.

The Guardian - Opinion

Quite frankly it's abhorrent".

BBC

The policing of hate speech online has become a flash point for many a flame war, these past few months especially, as white nationalists, neo-nazis and others with abhorrent but strictly speaking quite legal viewpoints struggle with being banned repeatedly from the internet's biggest platforms.

TechCrunch

These people are turning that exactly the opposite away around, and behaving in a really abhorrent way that is really quite frightening".

The Guardian

I still think they are abhorrent and on the other hand quite cool".

Independent

Europeans and Americans often feel uneasy about each other's attitude towards capital punishment -- a punishment that many in the US openly support but which Europeans consider abhorrent to the point that 'executions per capita' is quite frequently used as a negative global measurement of political and human rights.

Huffington Post

The Northern Territory chief minister, Adam Giles, is shocked for reasons no one can quite comprehend, given his government had been given detailed reports about seemingly abhorrent activity going on inside his corrections system.

The Guardian

What we do know: Whether intended for her own benefit or not, she used her voice and her power to shine a light on abhorrent behavior that had, by many accounts, been going on for quite some time.

Huffington Post

This is quite a statement, of course: ISIS has made a lot of truly shocking and abhorrent atrocity videos.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite abhorrent" to express a strong moral objection or revulsion, especially when aiming for a formal or slightly elevated tone in writing. Be mindful of the context to ensure the intensity of the phrase matches the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "quite abhorrent" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound overly dramatic or pretentious in everyday situations. Opt for simpler, more direct expressions of dislike or disapproval.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite abhorrent" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to express a strong feeling of disgust or repulsion. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it conveys a high degree of negativity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite abhorrent" is a grammatically sound adjectival phrase used to convey a strong sense of moral revulsion or disgust. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and is best suited for formal or serious contexts, as evidenced by its presence in reputable news sources. While it is not a common expression, its power lies in its ability to express deep disapproval, making it a useful phrase when the situation warrants a strong ethical judgment. Keep in mind its formal tone, and use it judiciously in appropriate settings. Alternatives such as "utterly detestable" or "absolutely repugnant" can offer similar intensity with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly detestable

Replaces "quite abhorrent" with a stronger emphasis on the feeling of hatefulness; more intense.

absolutely repugnant

Substitutes "quite abhorrent" using "repugnant", highlighting a strong sense of disgust and aversion.

thoroughly offensive

Replaces "quite abhorrent" with "offensive", shifting the focus to the act of causing displeasure or resentment.

extremely distasteful

Uses "distasteful" instead of "abhorrent", softening the tone slightly but still conveying strong disapproval.

wholly unacceptable

Focuses on the idea that something is not tolerable or allowable, rather than evoking disgust.

deeply reprehensible

Replaces "quite abhorrent" with "reprehensible", emphasizing moral condemnation.

truly appalling

Substitute the word abhorrent to appalling. Appalling causes shock and dismay

patently objectionable

Uses "objectionable" instead of "abhorrent", highlighting that something is causing disagreement or disapproval.

wholly deplorable

Replaces "abhorrent" with "deplorable", emphasizing strong disapproval and condemnation.

unreservedly loathsome

Substitute the word abhorrent to loathsome. Loathsome means causing hatred or disgust

FAQs

How can I use "quite abhorrent" in a sentence?

Use "quite abhorrent" to express strong disapproval or moral revulsion. For example: "The idea of exploiting vulnerable workers is "quite abhorrent" to me."

What are some alternatives to "quite abhorrent"?

Alternatives include "utterly detestable", "absolutely repugnant", or "thoroughly offensive". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "quite abhorrent" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "quite abhorrent" is generally considered too formal for casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "really awful" or "totally unacceptable" are more appropriate in informal settings.

What is the difference between "abhorrent" and "repugnant"?

"Abhorrent" implies a strong feeling of repugnance combined with moral disapproval, while "repugnant" primarily emphasizes causing intense disgust. Both words express strong negative feelings, but "abhorrent" carries a stronger sense of moral judgment.