Abhorrible: Usage and Pronunciation

Teacher Gu's English Class

Overview Meaning Pronunciation Usage Practice

abhorrible

/əbˈhɒrɪb(ə)l/
Adjective Formal

Definition:Deserving or causing abhorrence; detestable

Origin:From Latin abhorrere (to shrink back from) + -ible

📚 Core Meanings

Extreme Disgust

Causing intense feelings of repugnance

The abhorrible crime shocked the nation.
The detestable crime shocked the nation.
Emotion

Morally Repulsive

Contrary to moral principles

His abhorrible behavior was condemned.
His loathsome behavior was condemned.
Ethics

Physically Repellent

Extremely unpleasant to the senses

The abhorrible smell made people gag.
The disgusting smell made people gag.
Sensory

"Abhorrible" is a strong formal term, primarily used in literary contexts. It's more intense than "horrible" and implies moral judgment.

🔄 Usage Comparison

English Examples

The abhorrible act violated all human decency.

We witnessed abhorrible conditions in the prison.

His abhorrible lies destroyed many lives.

Explanation

The detestable act violated all human decency.

We witnessed repulsive conditions in the prison.

His despicable lies destroyed many lives.

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

British Pronunciation

/əbˈhɒrɪb(ə)l/

uhb-HORR-ib-uhl

American Pronunciation

/əbˈhɔːrɪb(ə)l/

uhb-HOR-ib-uhl

Key Pronunciation Points:

Common Mistakes

  • Pronouncing first "h" (incorrect: /æbˈhɔːrɪbəl/)
  • Stressing first syllable
  • Omitting the "r" sound

🎯 Common Collocations

Abhorrible + Noun

Describing extreme negativity

abhorrible crime
detestable crime
Intensifier

Find + abhorrible

Expressing strong rejection

find this abhorrible
find this repugnant
Reaction

Morally + abhorrible

Emphasizing ethical violation

morally abhorrible
morally repellent
Judgment

Grammatical Forms

Base form: abhorrible
Adverb: abhorribly

⚠️ Common Confusions

Don't confuse:

Abhorrible means very bad. (Incorrect)

Correct:Abhorrible means morally repulsive.

Abhorrible and horrible are interchangeable. (Incorrect)

Correct:Abhorrible is stronger than horrible and implies moral judgment.

✍️ Practice Exercises

Translation Practice

1. The abhorrible treatment of prisoners was exposed.
2. This abhorrible practice must be stopped.
3. Historians documented the abhorrible events.

1. The detestable treatment of prisoners was exposed.

2. This repulsive practice must be stopped.

3. Historians documented the horrifying events.

Pronunciation Practice

Repeat these sentences:

• Abhorrible acts violate human rights. [əbˈhɒrɪb(ə)l]
• The abhorrible truth was revealed. [əbˈhɒrɪb(ə)l]
• We reject this abhorrible proposal. [əbˈhɒrɪb(ə)l]

Correction Exercise

Identify and correct errors:

1. Abhorrible means very interesting.
2. Pronounced [æbˈhɔːrəbl]
3. An abhorrible movie is enjoyable.

1. Abhorrible means morally repulsive.

2. Pronounced [əbˈhɒrɪb(ə)l] (silent first "h")

3. An abhorrible movie is morally offensive.