ill-smelling
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having an unpleasant smell: Describes something that emits an odor that is offensive, foul, or disagreeable to the sense of smell.
Usage
- The adjective "ill-smelling" is used directly before a noun to describe it or after a linking verb (like , , ).
- It is a formal or literary alternative to more common words like "smelly" or "foul-smelling."
Examples
- Before a noun:
- The detectives entered the ill-smelling alley.
- They disposed of the ill-smelling garbage.
- After a linking verb:
- The chemical mixture became ill-smelling after a few days.
- The old cellar was dark and ill-smelling.
Advanced Usage
- Comparative and Superlative Forms: "more ill-smelling," "most ill-smelling." These forms are grammatically correct but are rarely used in everyday conversation due to the word's formality.
- Of the two samples, this one is more ill-smelling.
- Use in Formal or Descriptive Writing: "Ill-smelling" is often found in literary, scientific, or formal descriptive contexts to convey a strong negative impression.
- The ill-smelling vapors rose from the swamp.
Variants and Related Words
- Ill-smelled: An archaic or very rare past participle form, not in common use.
- Foul-smelling (adj.): Having a very unpleasant smell; a more common synonym.
- Malodorous (adj.): Having a bad smell; a formal synonym.
- Putrid (adj.): Decaying and emitting a foul smell.
- Rank (adj.): Having a strong, unpleasant smell.
- Stinking (adj.): Emitting a strong, unpleasant smell; informal.
Synonyms
- Foul-smelling
- Malodorous
- Fetid
- Noisome
- Putrid
- Rank
- Stinking
- Rancid (specifically for spoiled fats/oils)
Antonyms
- Fragrant
- Sweet-smelling
- Aromatic
- Perfumed
- Redolent
Related Phrases and Idioms
- "Ill-smelling" is not typically used in idiomatic expressions. It functions as a standard descriptive adjective.
Adjective
- having an unpleasant smell