Definition of execrable

The word "execrable" originated in medieval Latin, specifically from the Latin phrase "exacerbare," which meant "to curse" or "to invoke a curse upon." The term was first used in Middle English during the 14th century, primarily to describe objects or actions that were worthy of curses or abuse. The root word "exacerbare" came from the Latin prefix "ex," meaning "out" or "extreme," and the Latin stem "acerbāre," which meant "to make bitter" or "to make painful." This suggests that the original meaning of "execrable" referred to things that were so repulsive, unpleasant, or painful as to be cursed or anathematized. Over time, the meaning of "execrable" evolved, as it became a more general term for things that were of poor quality or value. In more recent uses, it is often associated with negative connotations such as repugnant, abominable, or inexcusably bad. However, despite its current negative associations, the etymological origins of "execrable" demonstrate the impact of language on our perceptions of value and quality, as words that were once wielded against objects as curses can now be used to describe those same objects as failures. In summary, the origin of "execrable" can be traced back to medieval Latin, specifically the term "exacerbare." Its meaning evolved over time from referring to objects cursed by invocation of a curse, to describing objects or actions that were of poor quality or value, and it continues to be used in contemporary English with such connotations.