off-putting

Thân thiện

The overly bright lights and loud music in the store were off-putting.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Causing a feeling of dislike, unease, or repulsion: Describes something that creates a negative first impression or makes one feel reluctant to engage.
   • Annoying or unpleasant in manner: Describes a quality or behavior that is disagreeable and tends to push people away.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • His arrogant tone was very off-putting during the meeting.
  • The strange smell in the old house was immediately off-putting.
  • She found his constant interruptions incredibly off-putting.

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe initial impressions: Often refers to a quality that hinders further interest or approval upon first encounter.
  • The restaurant's excellent reviews were undermined by the off-putting attitude of the host.
• Describing abstract qualities: Can be applied to atmospheres, attitudes, or stylistic choices.
  • The film's off-putting bleakness made it difficult for some viewers to enjoy.

Variants and Related Words

• Put off (phrasal verb): To discourage, deter, or cause someone to feel dislike.
  • The high price put me off buying it.
• Repellent (adjective): Causing strong distaste or aversion; often stronger than "off-putting."
• Unappealing (adjective): Not attractive or interesting.

Synonyms

• Uninviting
• Disconcerting
• Discouraging
• Repugnant (stronger)

Related Phrases and Phrasal Verbs

• To put someone off: To distract, discourage, or cause someone to lose interest.
  • The loud construction noise put the students off their work.
• A turn-off (noun, informal): Something that causes a loss of interest or attraction.
  • His lack of ambition was a real turn-off.

Related Idioms

• To put a damper on something: To make an event or situation less enjoyable or cheerful.
  • The sudden rain put a damper on our picnic plans. (This shares the concept of creating a negative effect, similar to being "off-putting.")

Học thuật

Adjective

1. tending to repel
   • The trappings of upper-class life are off-putting and sterile- Elizabeth Hess
2. causing annoyance or repugnance
   • an off-putting remark