appalling — causing shock or dismay; horrific
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: causing shock or dismay; horrific
Pronunciation (IPA): /əˈpɔːlɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- My cooking skills are so appalling that even my microwave filed for divorce.
- The traffic jam was appalling - I aged three years waiting in my car.
- The company's treatment of workers was appalling and led to protests.
appalling
ADJECTIVE[/əˈpɔːlɪŋ/]
causing shock or dismay; horrific
The flood damage in the village was absolutely appalling to every rescuer who arrived.
AP(to) + PALL(pale) + ING(making) — turning completely PALL(pale) AP(to) the ruined kitchen, the chef faced an appalling sight.
Watching the giant crystal chandelier falling, the guests ran screaming from the appalling disaster.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'apalir' meaning 'to grow pale or faint.' The word originally described the physical reaction of becoming pale-faced from shock or horror.
Breakdown
a- (prefix meaning 'to/toward') + pall (to become pale or dim) + -ing (present participle suffix)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cooking skills are so appalling that even my microwave filed for divorce.”
“The traffic jam was appalling - I aged three years waiting in my car.”
“The company's treatment of workers was appalling and led to protests.”
“The movie was so appalling that people started leaving after 10 minutes.”
📚Related Words
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