noun
anathema
uh-NA-thuh-muh
Anathema (noun) means something or someone intensely disliked or considered completely unacceptable. Example: “Cutting corners on safety was anathema to the engineer.”
noun
1
Something or someone intensely disliked or considered completely unacceptable.
"Cutting corners on safety was anathema to the engineer."
"Compromise was anathema to the two stubborn negotiators."
2
A formal curse or condemnation, especially one pronounced by a church.
"The medieval church pronounced anathema on the rebellious bishop."
How to use anathema
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething so disliked or against someone’s values that it feels utterly unacceptable.
Common pairings
anathema to
pronounce anathema
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Word forms
- Plural
- anathemas, anathemata
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Cutting corners on safety was _____ to the engineer.
Etymology
From Greek anathema, "something set apart" or "cursed," from anatithemi, "to dedicate" — later took on the sense of a solemn curse.
Synonyms
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bete noire
Related words
Rhymes for anathema
See all rhymes for anathema →Frequently asked questions
What does “anathema” mean?
The word “anathema” means something or someone intensely disliked or considered completely unacceptable. In plain terms, something so disliked or against someone’s values that it feels utterly unacceptable.
How do you pronounce “anathema”?
“Anathema” is pronounced uh-NA-thuh-muh (/əˈnæθəmə/ in IPA).
How do you use “anathema” in a sentence?
Here is “anathema” used in a sentence: “Cutting corners on safety was anathema to the engineer.”
What part of speech is “anathema”?
“Anathema” is a noun.
Where does the word “anathema” come from?
The word “anathema” comes from Greek. From Greek anathema, "something set apart" or "cursed," from anatithemi, "to dedicate" — later took on the sense of a solemn curse.
How many meanings does “anathema” have?
“Anathema” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something or someone intensely disliked or considered completely unacceptable.
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