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Aesthetic and Appearance

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Chasms and Carnage

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Disgust and Aversion

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Gloom and Unpleasantness

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hideous

Hideous (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

adjective

IPA:

/ˈhɪd i əs/

What does hideous mean?

Extremely unpleasant, repulsive, or visually disturbing in appearance.
"The graffiti on the historic monument was a hideous defacement of its beauty."

Detailed Meaning of Hideous

It refers to an object, person, or situation that is shockingly or disgustingly ugly, often evoking strong feelings of aversion or revulsion. Something described as hideous is marked by features that are distorted, deformed, or grotesque, causing a deep sense of unease or horror. The term implies a severe departure from aesthetic norms, lacking any form of beauty or attractiveness. It can be used to portray an extreme level of ugliness or something that inspires fear or repulsion. The adjective "hideous" conveys a strong negative connotation, emphasizing the sheer unpleasantness and repulsiveness of the subject being described.

Example Sentences for Hideous

1. The creature emerging from the shadows was a hideous sight to behold.
2. The painting depicted a hideous monster with twisted limbs and a monstrous face.
3. She couldn't bear to look at her reflection after the hideous haircut.
4. The smell emanating from the rotting garbage was absolutely hideous.
5. The villain's hideous laughter echoed through the haunted mansion, sending shivers down their spines.
6. The abandoned building was in a state of hideous disrepair, with crumbling walls and broken windows.

Origin and Etymology of Hideous

The adjective 'hideous' has its origins in Middle English, where it was spelled as 'hidous' or 'hidel,' and it was used to describe something that was dreadful, terrifying, or fearful. This Middle English term evolved from the Old French word 'hideus,' which meant 'horrible' or 'frightful.' The Old French word, in turn, can be traced back to the Latin 'hideus,' which also conveyed a sense of dread and fear. Over time, 'hideous' has come to describe anything that is extremely unpleasant, repulsive, or visually disturbing in appearance, emphasizing the strong negative emotional response it elicits. Its etymology underscores the intense aversion and dread associated with something that is considered hideous.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective hideous:

grotesque

attractive

beautiful

appealing

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Hideous

1. The fashion designer's avant-garde collection received mixed reviews, with some calling it hideous.
2. The troll's hideous appearance frightened the children, who quickly sought shelter.
3. The taste of the spoiled milk was so hideous that it made him gag.
4. The horror movie featured a hideous creature that haunted the protagonists' nightmares.
5. The hideous scar on her face was a constant reminder of the accident.
6. The abandoned house had a hideous, decrepit facade.
7. Her hideous scream echoed through the haunted forest.
8. The movie monster's appearance was truly hideous.
9. His sense of fashion was often described as hideous.
10. The graffiti on the wall was a hideous eyesore.
11. The car accident left a hideous scar on the landscape.
12. The villain's plot had a hideous, destructive intent.
13. The creature in the horror film was utterly hideous.
14. The smell from the dumpster was absolutely hideous.
15. The restaurant's food poisoning incident was hideous.
16. The gossip spread like wildfire, creating a hideous mess.
17. The scandal caused a hideous rift in the community.
18. The graffiti defaced the building with hideous symbols.
19. The politician's behavior was seen as hideous by many.
20. The storm left behind a trail of hideous destruction.
21. The disease left a hideous mark on her skin.
22. The accident resulted in a hideous, disfiguring injury.
23. The toxic waste spill had a hideous impact on the environment.
24. His jokes were often seen as hideous and offensive.
25. The war's atrocities were truly hideous and haunting.