Fusty: meaning, definitions and examples

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fusty

 

[ ˈfʌsti ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

describing odors

Fusty refers to a musty, stale, or old smell, often associated with damp, poorly ventilated spaces. This adjective is commonly used to describe items or environments that have an unpleasant odor due to age or neglect. It can also imply a lack of freshness or vitality. In a broader sense, fusty can also describe ideas or attitudes that are outdated or conservative.

Synonyms

antiquated, damp, musty, obsolete, stale

Examples of usage

  • The fusty attic was filled with forgotten memories.
  • He opened the fusty cupboard, and a wave of stale air hit him.
  • The old book had a fusty aroma that hinted at its age.
  • Her fusty opinions on modern art made it hard to engage in conversation.

Translations

Translations of the word "fusty" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mofo

🇮🇳 सड़ांध वाला

🇩🇪 muffig

🇮🇩 berdebu

🇺🇦 затхлий

🇵🇱 stęchły

🇯🇵 かび臭い

🇫🇷 moisi

🇪🇸 rancio

🇹🇷 küflü

🇰🇷 곰팡내 나는

🇸🇦 عفن

🇨🇿 zatuchlý

🇸🇰 zatuchnutý

🇨🇳 发霉的

🇸🇮 mufast

🇮🇸 rakan

🇰🇿 тозған

🇬🇪 მოჩქარებული

🇦🇿 köhnə

🇲🇽 mohoso

Etymology

The word 'fusty' originates from the late Middle English term 'fusty', which derived from the Old French word 'fust', meaning 'moldy' or 'rotten', itself coming from a Latin root 'fustis', referring to 'wood' or 'stick'. The transition into English reflects a shift in meaning from the physical state of wood (often associated with decay) to the more abstract ideas of odor and antiquity. The term has evolved over time, maintaining its association with unpleasant smells and, in more recent contexts, carrying connotations of outdated ideas or conservative attitudes. By the 17th century, 'fusty' had settled into the English lexicon and began to be used metaphorically to describe not only smells but also ideas and attitudes that seemed old-fashioned or behind the times.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,413, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.