Word
putrid
Phoneticspu·trid, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpjutɹɪd/
UK/pjˈuːtɹɪd/
Definition
adj. extremely bad-smelling, like something that is very rotten or has gone bad. It describes a smell that is so strong and unpleasant it is hard to ignore.
adj. extremely foul-smelling or rotten; characterized by a strong, offensive odour. Often used to describe organic decay or poor-quality food.
Examples
“The old cheese in the back of the fridge was putrid.”
“After the heavy rain, the stagnant water in the pond became putrid and attracted flies.”
“The detective noted the putrid smell emanating from the basement, a clear sign that the evidence had been stored in unsuitable conditions for far too long.”
Examples
simple
“The old cheese in the back of the fridge was putrid.”
contextual
“After the heavy rain, the stagnant water in the pond became putrid and attracted flies.”
complex
“The detective noted the putrid smell emanating from the basement, a clear sign that the evidence had been stored in unsuitable conditions for far too long.”
Real-World Examples
“Residents in Des Moines, Iowa, have long complained of the so-called Eastside Funk, a putrid scent that residents report drifts over parts of the city.” “Once again, an exceptionally hot and dry spell has exposed the putrid stench of untreated human waste.” “Whole neighbourhoods could become enveloped in this putrid aroma, and cities where it was manufactured were considered unpleasant places to live .” Etymology
From Middle English, borrowed from Old French putride or directly from Latin putridus (“rotten, decayed”), from putreō (“I am rotten or putrid”), from puter (“rotten, decaying, putrid”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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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