Mustily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ซ๏ธ
mustily
[หmสstษชli ]
Definition
smell, environment
Mustily describes an unpleasant, stale, or moldy smell. It is often used to characterize damp, poorly ventilated environments that have accumulated odors over time.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The attic had a mustily scent from the old boxes.
- She wrinkled her nose at the mustily smell of the basement.
- The mustily air in the abandoned house made it feel eerie.
Translations
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Origin of 'mustily'
The word 'mustily' derives from the adjective 'musty', which has its origins in Middle English. The term traces back to the Old French word 'mouster', meaning 'to mold' or 'be moldy', and has roots in Latin as 'mลซstum', referring to a kind of musty or sour wine. Over time, 'musty' and its adverbial form 'mustily' came to describe not just the smell associated with mold or dampness, but also the general atmosphere or condition that feels stale, confined, and often neglected. It evokes a sense of something forgotten or left in a state of decay.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,485, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.