Cool MateDisgusting vs That was gross
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Disgusting
Top 2,000 (common)
That was gross
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Disgusting
| Disgusting | That was gross | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dɪsˈɡʌstɪŋ//🇺🇸 //dɪsˈɡʌstɪŋ// | 🇬🇧 //ðæt wəz ɡrɒs//🇺🇸 //ðæt wəz ɡroʊs// |
| Meaning | Something very unpleasant or makes you feel sick. | That was unpleasant or disgusting. |
| Example | The taste of the spoiled milk was absolutely disgusting. | When I saw the moldy bread, I thought, 'That was gross.' |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | disgusting behavior, disgusting smell, disgusting food, disgusting sight, disgusting habit | that was really gross, that was so gross, that was absolutely gross |
| Antonyms | appealing, pleasant, delightful | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'disgusted' which is a feeling rather than a description., Using 'disgusting' to describe emotions instead of objects or actions., Overusing it in descriptions, which can sound exaggerated. | Used too frequently; reserve for stronger reactions., Confused with 'that was great' for positive remarks. |
| Usage notes | Used to describe strong feelings of dislike or aversion. Generally appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but could be considered impolite in formal situations. | Commonly used in casual conversations to express strong dislike or disgust. Avoid in formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Disgusting vs That was gross
What's the difference between Disgusting and That was gross?
Disgusting: Something very unpleasant or makes you feel sick. That was gross: That was unpleasant or disgusting.
Which is more formal: Disgusting and That was gross?
Disgusting is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Disgusting: The taste of the spoiled milk was absolutely disgusting. That was gross: When I saw the moldy bread, I thought, 'That was gross.'
Can I use Disgusting and That was gross interchangeably?
Not always. Disgusting and That was gross are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.