IELTS Vocabulary: Understanding and Using ‘Repulse’
Learn the meaning, usage, and nuances of the word ‘repulse’ in this IELTS vocabulary lesson. Discover its function as both a verb and noun, explore its etymology, and see examples to boost your English proficiency for the IELTS exam.
Imagine a scenario where you’re trying to approach someone, but they keep pushing you away. This action of forcefully driving back or warding off is exactly what our word of the day, repulse, means.
Welcome to this advanced IELTS vocabulary lesson where we’ll explore the word repulse in depth, helping you reach that coveted band score of 8.0.
Word type: Repulse functions both as a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to drive back or ward off.
As a noun, it refers to the act of repulsing or the state of being repulsed.
Meaning: In its primary sense, repulse means to drive back or repel, often by force.
It can also mean to reject with denial, refusal, or coldness. In a more figurative sense, it can mean to cause aversion or disgust.
Word history: The word repulse has its roots in Latin. It comes from the Latin word repulsus, which is the past participle of repellere, meaning to drive back.
This Latin word is composed of re, meaning back, and pellere, meaning to drive. The word entered the English language in the 15th century.
Antonyms: Some antonyms of repulse include attract, welcome, accept, and embrace. These words represent the opposite actions or feelings of driving away or rejecting.
Synonyms: Synonyms for repulse include rebuff, repel, reject, drive back, and ward off. In its sense of causing disgust, synonyms might include revolt, nauseate, or sicken.
Examples use in sentences: Let’s look at some examples of how to use repulse in sentences. The army successfully repulsed the enemy’s attack, preventing them from breaching the city walls.
Her arrogant attitude repulsed potential friends, leaving her isolated in the new school. The foul odor from the garbage dump repulsed visitors to the neighborhood.
The board of directors repulsed the hostile takeover attempt, maintaining control of the company. Common errors in use:
One common error when using repulse is confusing it with repulse. While they sound similar, repulse means to drive back or disgust, whereas repulse means to feel strong dislike or disgust.
For example, You might say, The sight of blood repulsed him, but not The sight of blood repulsed him.
Another error is using repulse when repel would be more appropriate in certain contexts. While both can mean to drive back, repel is more commonly used when talking about magnetic forces or insect repellents.
To truly master this word and elevate your English to an 8.0 band score level, practice using repulse in various contexts.
Remember its dual nature as both a verb and a noun, and its range of meanings from physical repulsion to emotional rejection.
By incorporating repulse into your active vocabulary, you’ll demonstrate the lexical resource and precision expected at the highest levels of English proficiency.
