odourless
/'oudəlis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having no smell; lacking any detectable odor: Describes a substance, object, or entity that emits no scent or aroma, whether pleasant or unpleasant. It is the state of being completely without smell.
Usage
- The adjective "odourless" is used to describe things that have no smell. It is a neutral term and can apply to gases, liquids, solids, or environments.
- It is typically placed before a noun (attributive use) or after a linking verb like "is" or "seems" (predicative use).
- Spelling Note: "Odourless" is the standard spelling in British English. The American English spelling is "odorless."
Examples
- Attributive (before a noun):
- The laboratory uses an odourless solvent for the experiment.
- Carbon monoxide is a dangerous, odourless gas.
- Predicative (after a linking verb):
- The purified water was completely odourless.
- These cleaning products are advertised as being odourless.
Advanced Usage
- Scientific and Technical Contexts: Frequently used in chemistry, manufacturing, and product descriptions to indicate the absence of smell as a feature or a safety characteristic.
- The new insulation material is not only efficient but also odourless.
- Figurative Use (Rare): Can be used metaphorically to describe something as bland, unremarkable, or lacking distinctive character.
- His writing style is competent but somewhat odourless, lacking a unique voice.
Variants and Related Words
- Odorless (adj): The American English spelling of "odourless."
- Odour (n, UK) / Odor (n, US): The noun meaning a smell or scent.
- Deodorize (v): To remove or conceal an unpleasant odor.
- Inodorous (adj): A more formal or literary synonym for "odourless."
Synonyms
- Scentless: Having no scent.
- Unscented: Not having a scent added; often used for products like candles or lotions.
- Inodorous: (Formal) Lacking odor.
Antonyms
- Odorous: Having a smell, especially a distinctive one.
- Fragrant: Having a pleasant, sweet smell.
- Pungent: Having a sharply strong taste or smell.
- Malodorous: Having an unpleasant smell.
Related Phrases and Compounds
- Odourless and tasteless: A common phrase used together, especially regarding potentially dangerous substances like certain gases or poisons.
- Radon is an odourless and tasteless radioactive gas.
Adjective
- having no odor
- odorless gas
- odorless flowers