Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a strong odor: Describes something that emits a powerful, noticeable, and often pungent smell, which can be either pleasant or unpleasant.

Usage

The adjective "strong-smelling" is used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like "is" or "was") to describe a noun. It is a compound adjective formed from "strong" and "smelling."

Examples

• Attributive use (before a noun):

  • The chef used a strong-smelling cheese in the sauce.
  • We passed a field of strong-smelling flowers.

• Predicative use (after a linking verb):

  • The chemical was strong-smelling and required ventilation.
  • His gym clothes were strong-smelling after the workout.

Advanced Usage

• Comparative and Superlative Forms: While "more strong-smelling" and "most strong-smelling" are grammatically correct, it is more common and natural to use synonyms with comparative/superlative forms (e.g., "pungent," "more pungent," "most pungent").
  • This variety of durian is even more strong-smelling than the common type. (Grammatically correct but less common phrasing).

Variants and Related Words

• Strong-smelling is a closed compound adjective. Its components are:
  • Strong (adj.): Having great power or intensity.
  • Smelling (adj.): Having a specified smell. Often used in combination (e.g., sweet-smelling, foul-smelling).

Synonyms

• Pungent: Having a sharply strong taste or smell.
• Odorous: Having a distinctive smell.
• Aromatic: Having a pleasant, distinctive smell (often used for spices, plants).
• Rank: Having a strong, unpleasant smell.
• Fragrant: Having a sweet or pleasant smell.

Antonyms

• Odorless: Having no smell.
• Faint-smelling: Having a very weak smell.
• Subtle: So delicate or precise as to be difficult to detect.

Related Phrases and Collocations

• Strong-smelling substance: A common collocation for scientific or warning contexts.
  • The lab contained several strong-smelling substances.
• Strong-smelling food: Often used to describe ingredients like garlic, onions, or certain cheeses.
  • She avoided strong-smelling food before the meeting.

Adjective

1. having a strong odor