Fume: meaning, definitions and examples

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fume

 

[ fjuːm ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

angry

Fume refers to smoke, vapor, or gas produced by burning or heating. It can also mean a state of anger or irritation.

Synonyms

anger, gas, irritation, smoke, vapor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fume

Commonly used to describe a state of annoyed or irritated anger. It can also refer to the strong-smelling vapor given off by substances.

  • She began to fume when she realized her phone was missing
  • The factory released toxic fumes into the air
smoke

Refers to the visible vapor and gases released when a material burns. Can also be used as a verb to describe the act of inhaling tobacco smoke.

  • Smoke filled the room when the wood stove was lit
  • He decided to smoke a cigarette during his break
vapor

Describes a substance diffused or suspended in the air, usually as a gas or fine mist. It is often used in scientific contexts.

  • Water vapor condensed on the windows
  • The scientist studied the formation of vapor in the experiment
gas

Refers to a substance in a state like air, which spreads out to fill any space available. Can also colloquially refer to gasoline.

  • The balloon was filled with helium gas
  • I need to stop by the station to get some gas
anger

Used to describe a strong feeling of displeasure or hostility. It is a stronger and more intense term than irritation.

  • His anger was evident when he slammed the door
  • The new policy caused a lot of anger among the employees
irritation

Describes a feeling of minor annoyance or discomfort. It is less intense than anger.

  • The constant noise was a source of irritation
  • Her boss's constant questioning caused her much irritation

Examples of usage

  • She watched the fumes rise from the burning wood.
  • He was in a fume after receiving the bad news.
Context #2 | Verb

angry

Fume as a verb means to be in a state of anger or irritation, to emit smoke or vapor, or to feel intense anger.

Synonyms

fret, rage, seethe, smolder.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fume

Used when someone is showing irritation or anger, often quietly or internally, but not necessarily taking strong actions.

  • She was fuming after the meeting
  • He just fumed silently in the corner
seethe

Used when someone is boiling with anger or emotions inside, often without expressing it outwardly. The term captures a sense of silent but intense emotion.

  • She seethed with anger, but didn't say a word
  • His eyes seethed with a hidden fury
rage

Used when someone is experiencing or expressing intense, violent anger. It has a strong, often negative connotation.

  • He was in a rage after the argument
  • The customer’s rage was evident when he started shouting
fret

Used when someone is expressing worry or anxiety, often over something that isn't significant.

  • Don’t fret over the little things
  • She began to fret about the exam results
smolder

Used when anger or other strong feelings are burning quietly, below the surface, without erupting. Often gives a sense of contained emotion that might eventually burst out.

  • His resentment smoldered long after the conversation ended
  • You could see the smolder in her eyes but she remained calm

Examples of usage

  • She fumed silently after being criticized.
  • The factory fumed toxic gases into the atmosphere.

Translations

Translations of the word "fume" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fumaça

🇮🇳 धुआं

🇩🇪 Rauch

🇮🇩 asap

🇺🇦 дим

🇵🇱 dym

🇯🇵 煙 (けむり)

🇫🇷 fumée

🇪🇸 humo

🇹🇷 duman

🇰🇷 연기 (yeon-gi)

🇸🇦 دخان

🇨🇿 kouř

🇸🇰 dym

🇨🇳 烟 (yān)

🇸🇮 dim

🇮🇸 reykur

🇰🇿 түтін

🇬🇪 მოწევა

🇦🇿 tüstü

🇲🇽 humo

Etymology

The word 'fume' originated from the Middle English word 'fum' which came from the Old French word 'fum', ultimately derived from the Latin word 'fumus' meaning 'smoke'. Over time, its meaning expanded to include not only smoke but also anger and irritation.

See also: fumes, fuming.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,702, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.