The word "atrocious" is spelled with a silent "o" and pronounced /əˈtroʊʃəs/. The "a" is pronounced as a schwa sound, represented by the symbol /ə/. The "t" is pronounced with a slight aspiration at the beginning, represented by the symbol /tʰ/. The "ci" is pronounced as a "sh" sound, represented by the symbol /ʃ/. The "ous" is pronounced as "əs," represented by the symbols /əs/. Despite its difficult spelling, "atrocious" is commonly used to describe something truly appalling or horrifying.
The term "atrocious" is an adjective used to describe something or someone that is extremely evil, cruel, or wicked. It refers to actions, behavior, or circumstances that are utterly horrible, appalling, or shocking in their nature or effect. Atrocious can also pertain to something that is of an exceptionally bad quality, notably inferior, or of a detestable standard.
When used in the context of describing a person, "atrocious" suggests an individual who displays an extreme lack of moral principles, committing acts that are severe and brutal, often causing great harm or suffering to others. Such behavior is considered deeply reprehensible, wicked, or inhumane.
Furthermore, the term can be applied to actions or events that are grossly offensive, repugnant, or odious, either morally or aesthetically. For instance, an atrocious crime refers to a heinous offense that is regarded as abominable and morally unscrupulous.
In terms of quality, "atrocious" often implies something that is extraordinarily bad or of an intolerable and regrettable standard. For example, an atrocious performance in a musical concert would denote an exceptionally poor execution that is regarded as unacceptable or disgraceful.
Overall, "atrocious" encapsulates a notion of extreme wickedness, cruelty, vast inferiority, or repugnance, whether referring to actions, behavior, circumstances, individuals, or matters of quality.
Cruel, very wicked; extremely cruel; criminal in the highest degree.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "atrocious" can be traced back to the Latin word "atrox", which means "cruel" or "fierce". This Latin word ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root "*atre-", meaning "black" or "dark". The concept of darkness or blackness extended metaphorically to convey something negative or evil, reflecting the sense of cruelty associated with the word "atrocious". The English word "atrocious" first appeared in the late 16th century, preserving its original connotation of extreme cruelty or wickedness.