smell
Meaning: The sense used to detect odours, or an odour itself
'Smell' refers to the sense used to detect odours, as well as the odours themselves. As a verb, it means to perceive an odour through the nose, or to emit an odour. The word can have positive, negative, or neutral connotations depending on context, and appears in expressions like 'smell a rat' (suspect something is wrong).
Examples
- The smell of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen. 新鲜出炉的面包香味弥漫在厨房里。El olor del pan recién horneado llenaba la cocina.焼きたてのパンの匂いがキッチンに広がりました。갓 구운 빵 냄새가 부엌에 가득 퍼졌습니다.
- Can you smell something burning? 你闻到什么东西烧焦了吗?¿Puedes oler algo quemándose?何か焦げている匂いがしませんか?무언가 타는 냄새가 나지 않나요?
- These flowers smell absolutely wonderful. 这些花闻起来绝对美妙。Estas flores huelen absolutamente maravilloso.これらの花は本当に素晴らしい香りがします。이 꽃들은 정말 훌륭한 향기가 납니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
Of uncertain origin, possibly from Old English 'smyllan' or Middle Dutch 'smōlen' meaning 'to smoulder'. First attested in the 12th century. The connection between smouldering and detecting odour is unclear.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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