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anathema — something or someone that one vehemently dislikes or detests

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: something or someone that one vehemently dislikes or detests

Pronunciation (IPA): /əˈnæθəmə/

Example Sentences

  • Pineapple on pizza is anathema to traditional Italian chefs.
  • Monday morning meetings were anathema to the entire team.
  • The concept of censorship is anathema to free speech advocates.

anathema

NOUN

[/əˈnæθəmə/]

something or someone that one vehemently dislikes or detests

a well-dressed customer pushes away a plate of food with both hands while turning his head away in revulsion. His face shows extreme disgust with a wrinkled nose and disgusted expression as he recoils from the meal. The waiter had just placed the dish in front of him, causing an immediate negative reaction. The customer's body language shows complete rejection as he leans back in his chair. Other diners at nearby tables notice the commotion and turn to look. The waiter appears confused and concerned by the strong negative response.  something being vehemently disliked and rejected with complete disgust
💡 Concept

a well-dressed customer pushes away a plate of food with both hands while turning his head away in revulsion. His face shows extreme disgust with a wrinkled nose and disgusted expression as he recoils from the meal. The waiter had just placed the dish in front of him, causing an immediate negative reaction. The customer's body language shows complete rejection as he leans back in his chair. Other diners at nearby tables notice the commotion and turn to look. The waiter appears confused and concerned by the strong negative response. something being vehemently disliked and rejected with complete disgust

Ana hates THEM - they're her total anathema!
🧠 Mnemonic

Ana hates THEM - they're her total anathema!

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/əˈnæθəmə/
🇬🇧 UK/əˈnæθəmə/

🌳Etymology

Rootanathema

Origin

From Greek 'anathema' meaning 'a thing devoted to God' or 'offering placed in a temple.' In early Christianity, the meaning shifted to 'something cursed' or 'excommunicated,' as things devoted to God were considered irreversibly set apart.

Breakdown

ana- (up, back) + tithenai (to place, set) → literally 'something set up' or 'placed as an offering'

🎵Rhyme

cinema
dilemma
schema

🔗Collocations

be anathema to
consider anathema
declare anathema
political anathema
social anathema

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“Pineapple on pizza is anathema to traditional Italian chefs.”

😄 Fun example

“Monday morning meetings were anathema to the entire team.”

“The concept of censorship is anathema to free speech advocates.”

“Violence of any kind was anathema to Gandhi's philosophy.”

📚Related Words

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