How to Memorize

repugnant - offensive

Analysis

Something ‘repugnant’ is obscene and detestable. The key to understanding how to accurately use this term is to link it to the word ‘disgusting’. Anything that makes you feel disgust can be called repugnant, especially if it is something that assaults the senses, like a bad smell.

Example(s)

1. I’ve found the behaviour of senior staff members towards some of the new recruits to be repugnant. It is flat-out bullying!

2. That person should face some sort of disciplinary action for his behaviour. It was morally repugnant.

3. It was obvious that the facility had not been cleaned for a long time. The repugnance of the smell made me feel nauseous.