Rebarbative: Meaning, Examples and Quiz
Rebarbative (adjective) — Rebarbative means unpleasant in a way that irritates or repels people. It is a formal word that can describe a manner, appearance, style or experience.
A strong, subjective description
Calling something rebarbative expresses a negative reaction. It is stronger than saying it is unfamiliar or slightly difficult. Use a concrete detail to show what the speaker finds off-putting.
The word is not limited to physical ugliness. A hostile welcome, a needlessly abrasive writing style or an unpleasant manner can all be described as rebarbative.
Rebarbative in sentences
- The receptionist’s rebarbative manner made visitors reluctant to ask questions.
- I found the essay’s sneering tone rebarbative, even when I agreed with its argument.
- Behind the character’s rebarbative exterior was a surprising kindness.
- The committee replaced its rebarbative warning signs with clear, courteous instructions.
Useful patterns and word forms
Common patterns include a rebarbative manner, a rebarbative style and a rebarbative exterior. Use it after a linking verb too: the tone seemed rebarbative.
Short quiz: check your understanding
Try each question before opening its answer.
Question 1
A rebarbative welcome is A) inviting or B) off-putting?
Show answer 1 and explanation
B. It makes people feel repelled or irritated.
Question 2
Can a writing style be rebarbative?
Show answer 2 and explanation
Yes. The adjective is not restricted to physical appearance.
Question 3
Is every unfamiliar accent rebarbative?
Show answer 3 and explanation
No. Unfamiliarity alone does not imply unpleasantness. Rebarbative expresses a particular negative judgement.
Try it today: Describe a fictional character’s rebarbative manner without insulting a real person.
Dictionary reference: Merriam-Webster: Rebarbative. Examples and quiz questions are written for English Skill Studio.
FROM READING TO PRACTICE
Practise this topic
Build on this article with a connected lesson. Explore the explanation, try the examples, and check what you remember.
Rebarbative
Study the same adjective with another set of vocabulary activities.
Idiom lessonBreak the ice
Compare an off-putting manner with an expression for making people feel comfortable.
Grammar lessonAdjectives – Types, Order, Comparisons
Practise adjective placement using examples related to rebarbative.
Categories: Word of the day-2