Word
pungent
Phoneticspun·gent, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpəndʒənt/
UK/pˈʌndʒənt/
Definition
adj. having a strong, sharp, or unpleasant smell. You use this to describe things like strong spices or certain types of cheese.
adj. having a strong, sharp, or penetrating smell, often one that is unpleasant or irritating. Frequently used to describe chemical substances, spices, or fermented foods.
Examples
“The kitchen was filled with the pungent smell of garlic.”
“The chef added a pungent spice to the sauce to give it a more intense flavor.”
“The pungent aroma of the citrus peel lingered in the air long after the guests had finished their meal.”
Examples
simple
“The kitchen was filled with the pungent smell of garlic.”
contextual
“The chef added a pungent spice to the sauce to give it a more intense flavor.”
complex
“The pungent aroma of the citrus peel lingered in the air long after the guests had finished their meal.”
Real-World Examples
“How Southeast Asia’s famously pungent fruit became a source of cultural identity and global demand.” “The aroma is pungent with acetic acid, and the texture is thick and slightly jelly-like.” “It's salty, pungent and umami-rich and a versatile ingredient/condiment that can be used in stir-fries and marinades.” “It can range from mild, damp soil-like flavors to stronger, more pungent notes.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin pungens (stem pungent-), present participle of pungo (“to sting”). Doublet of poignant.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/pungent