While both "ugly" and "hideous" describe something unpleasant to look at, there's a significant difference in intensity. "Ugly" is a more general term, indicating something unattractive or displeasing. "Hideous," on the other hand, suggests a much stronger degree of repulsiveness; something that is not just unattractive, but shockingly unpleasant and even disturbing. Think of "ugly" as a mild dislike, and "hideous" as a strong feeling of revulsion.

Here are some example sentences to illustrate the difference:

• Ugly: "That sweater is ugly." (This means the sweater is unattractive.)
• Hideous: "The monster in the movie was hideous." (This means the monster was shockingly unpleasant and frightening.)

Let's look at more examples:

• Ugly: "Her old shoes were quite ugly." (Meaning: unattractive)

• Hideous: "The crime scene was hideous." (Meaning: shockingly unpleasant and disturbing)

• Ugly: "The painting was ugly, with clashing colours." (Meaning: unattractive in terms of aesthetics)

• Hideous: "The scar on his face was hideous." (Meaning: extremely unpleasant to look at)

Notice how "hideous" implies a greater degree of unpleasantness and often evokes a stronger emotional response. It is less about a simple lack of attractiveness and more about something that is genuinely disturbing or frightening.

Happy learning!