Repel vs Repulse: Differences And Uses For Each One

Have you ever wondered about the difference between the words “repel” and “repulse”? These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of these words and clarify when to use each one.

First off, let’s define our terms. “Repel” means to push away or keep at a distance. “Repulse” means to reject or cause disgust. While both words involve some form of rejection, “repel” is more about physical distance, while “repulse” is more about emotional or moral rejection.

So which of these words is the proper one to use? It depends on the context. If you’re talking about physical objects or forces, “repel” is the right choice. For example, two magnets can either attract or repel each other. On the other hand, if you’re talking about social interactions or emotional responses, “repulse” is more appropriate. For instance, someone might be repulsed by the sight of blood.

Now that we’ve established the difference between these two words, let’s explore some common usage scenarios and how to choose the right word in each case.

Define Repel

Repel is a verb that means to push away or reject something. It is a force that acts in the opposite direction of an object, preventing it from coming closer. This term is often used in physics to describe the behavior of magnetism or electricity. For example, two magnets will repel each other if they are placed with the same poles facing each other.

Define Repulse

Repulse is also a verb that means to push away or reject something. However, it has a stronger connotation of disgust or aversion. It implies a more emotional response than repel. For example, if someone is repulsed by a certain food, it means they find it extremely distasteful or nauseating. Similarly, if someone is repulsed by a person’s behavior, it means they find it offensive or repugnant.

While repel is a more general term that can refer to any kind of force that pushes away, repulse is more specific to situations where there is a strong emotional reaction involved.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to using words in a sentence, it’s important to understand their meanings and how they can be properly used. This is especially true for words that are often confused with each other, such as “repel” and “repulse”. In this section, we’ll explore how to use these words correctly in a sentence.

How To Use “Repel” In A Sentence

The word “repel” is often used to describe the act of pushing something away or preventing it from coming closer. For example, “The strong smell of garlic repels mosquitoes.” In this sentence, “repel” is used to describe how the smell of garlic keeps mosquitoes from coming closer.

Here are some more examples of how to use “repel” in a sentence:

• The new coating on the car’s windshield repels water, making it easier to see in the rain.
• The electric charge on the balloon repels it from the wall.
• The scent of the flowers repels bees.

How To Use “Repulse” In A Sentence

The word “repulse” is often used to describe the act of causing disgust or aversion in someone. For example, “The graphic images in the horror movie repulsed the audience.” In this sentence, “repulse” is used to describe how the images in the movie caused disgust in the audience.

Here are some more examples of how to use “repulse” in a sentence:

• The politician’s comments repulsed many voters.
• The smell of the garbage repulsed the restaurant’s customers.
• The sight of the open wound repulsed the squeamish nurse.

By understanding the proper usage of “repel” and “repulse”, you can ensure that your writing is clear and effective. Remember, “repel” is used to describe the act of pushing something away, while “repulse” is used to describe the act of causing disgust or aversion in someone.

More Examples Of Repel & Repulse Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use the words “repel” and “repulse” in a sentence. These examples will help you understand the proper context and usage of these two words.

Examples Of Using Repel In A Sentence

• The smell of garlic can repel mosquitoes.
• The new coating on the ship’s hull is designed to repel barnacles.
• She tried to repel the attacker with her pepper spray.
• The negative reviews will likely repel potential customers.
• The magnet repels the metal object.
• The repellent spray kept the ants away from the picnic area.
• The force of the water repelled the boat from the dock.
• The strong winds can repel birds from their usual migration patterns.
• His rude behavior repelled everyone in the room.
• The metal ions repel each other due to their like charges.

Examples Of Using Repulse In A Sentence

• The sight of the dead animal repulsed her.
• His crude jokes repulsed the entire audience.
• The smell of the rotten food repulsed the diners.
• The graphic violence in the movie repulsed many viewers.
• The slimy texture of the snails repulsed her.
• The thought of eating insects repulsed him.
• The politician’s scandalous behavior repulsed his supporters.
• The idea of using animal fur for fashion repulses many people.
• The disturbing images in the horror movie repulsed the audience.
• The taste of the bitter medicine repulsed the child.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “repel” and “repulse,” there are some common mistakes that people make. These mistakes can lead to confusion and miscommunication, which is why it’s important to understand the differences between these two words.

Using Repel And Repulse Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “repel” and “repulse” interchangeably. While these two words may seem similar, they have different meanings.

When you “repel” something, you are pushing it away or keeping it at a distance. For example, “The magnet repels the other magnet.” On the other hand, when you “repulse” something, you are causing it to feel disgust or aversion. For example, “The smell of the garbage repulses me.”

Using these words interchangeably can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. For example, if you say “The smell of the garbage repels me,” it could be interpreted as meaning that you are physically pushing the garbage away, rather than feeling disgust towards it.

Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes, it’s important to understand the meanings of “repel” and “repulse” and use them appropriately. Here are some tips:

• Use “repel” when you are talking about pushing something away or keeping it at a distance.
• Use “repulse” when you are talking about causing someone or something to feel disgust or aversion.
• If you’re not sure which word to use, look up the definitions or use a thesaurus to find a more appropriate word.

By following these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and use these words correctly in your writing and communication.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words “repel” and “repulse” can depend on the context in which they are used. While both words are synonymous and refer to the act of driving something away, there are subtle differences in their usage that can affect the tone and meaning of a sentence.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a closer look at some different contexts and how the choice between “repel” and “repulse” might change:

Context	Example Sentence	Preferred Word Choice
Chemistry	The negatively charged electrons repel each other.	Repel
Relationships	His arrogance and rudeness repulse me.	Repulse
Physics	The magnet repels the metal object.	Repels
Marketing	The outdated design of the website repels potential customers.	Repels

In the context of chemistry and physics, “repel” is the preferred word choice as it accurately describes the physical force between two objects with the same charge or polarity. In contrast, in the context of relationships and marketing, “repulse” is the better choice as it conveys a stronger emotional reaction to something unpleasant or unappealing.

It’s important to consider the context in which you are using these words to ensure that you are conveying the intended meaning and tone. By choosing the appropriate word, you can create a more precise and effective message.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using repel and repulse are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they may not apply. It’s important to understand these exceptions in order to use these words correctly in context.

Exceptions For Repel

One exception to the rule for using repel is when it is used in the context of physics or chemistry. In these fields, repel is used to describe the force that causes two objects with the same charge to push away from each other. For example, two positively charged particles will repel each other.

Another exception is when repel is used in the context of fashion or style. In this case, it can be used to describe a garment or accessory that is designed to keep something away from the body. For example, a mosquito repellent bracelet is designed to repel mosquitoes and keep them away from the wearer.

Exceptions For Repulse

One exception to the rule for using repulse is when it is used in the context of military strategy. In this case, it can be used to describe a defensive tactic where an attacking force is pushed back or prevented from advancing. For example, the enemy was repulsed by the strong defense of the castle.

Another exception is when repulse is used in the context of emotions or feelings. In this case, it can be used to describe a strong feeling of disgust or revulsion. For example, the sight of the decaying animal carcass repulsed the hiker.

Exceptions to Using Repel and Repulse

Word	Context	Exception	Example
Repel	Physics/Chemistry	Force that causes two objects with the same charge to push away from each other	Two positively charged particles will repel each other
Repel	Fashion/Style	Garment or accessory designed to keep something away from the body	Mosquito repellent bracelet is designed to repel mosquitoes and keep them away from the wearer
Repulse	Military Strategy	Defensive tactic where an attacking force is pushed back or prevented from advancing	The enemy was repulsed by the strong defense of the castle
Repulse	Emotions/Feelings	Strong feeling of disgust or revulsion	The sight of the decaying animal carcass repulsed the hiker

Practice Exercises

Learning the difference between repel and repulse can be challenging, but practice exercises can help improve your understanding and usage of these two words. Below are some exercises to help you practice using repel and repulse in sentences. Make sure to read each sentence carefully and choose the correct word to fill in the blank.

Exercise 1

Her negative attitude __________ people away from her.

• Repels
• Repulses

Answer: Repels

Exercise 2

The strong smell of the garbage can ___________ the flies.

• Repels
• Repulses

Answer: Repels

Exercise 3

The horror movie ___________ me so much that I couldn’t sleep.

• Repels
• Repulses

Answer: Repulsed

Exercise 4

The new cologne ___________ her with its strong scent.

• Repels
• Repulses

Answer: Repels

Exercise 5

His arrogant behavior ___________ his coworkers.

• Repels
• Repulses

Answer: Repels

By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and usage of repel and repulse. Remember to pay attention to the context of the sentence and choose the correct word accordingly. With time and practice, you’ll be able to use these words with ease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is clear that the words “repel” and “repulse” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in context. “Repel” refers to the act of pushing away or resisting, while “repulse” implies a strong feeling of disgust or aversion. It is important to understand the difference between these two words to avoid confusion and miscommunication.

One key takeaway from this article is the importance of paying attention to word choice and context in writing. While it may be tempting to use words interchangeably, doing so can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations. By taking the time to choose the right word for the right situation, writers can ensure that their message is clear and effective.

Another takeaway is the value of continuing to learn about grammar and language use. While it may seem like a dry or tedious topic, understanding the nuances of language can greatly enhance one’s writing and communication skills. By staying curious and open to learning, writers can continually improve their craft and better connect with their audience.