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Noisome Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿคข
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noisome

[หˆnษ”ษชsษ™m ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

disgusting smell

The word 'noisome' describes something that is offensive or harmful to the senses, particularly due to an unpleasant smell. It can also refer to things that are ethically or morally repulsive. Noisome things can cause nausea or an aversion due to their foulness. While it is commonly associated with odors, it can also describe situations or conditions that are generally offensive or harmful. This term highlights the impact of smell on human perception and experience.

Synonyms

disgusting, foul, noxious, offensive, rancid.

Examples of usage

  • The noisome odor from the garbage was unbearable.
  • They avoided the noisome area of the city that was known for its pollution.
  • The noisome fumes from the factory raised concerns among the residents.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In literature, authors have used the term to describe polluted environments, emphasizing the emotional impact of unpleasant surroundings.
  • The term has appeared in film reviews when critiquing movies for their unappealing content or aesthetics.
  • In fashion and art, the idea of 'noisome' has been used to describe trends or behaviors considered distasteful or offensive.

Science

  • Certain chemicals and waste products are labeled noisome due to their potential to harm the environment and living beings.
  • Research shows that unpleasant odors can influence psychological wellbeing and mood.
  • In ecology, noisome conditions can drive away species and disrupt local ecosystems.

Literature

  • Classic literature often uses the concept of noisome settings to evoke strong emotions or themes related to decay and neglect.
  • Shakespeare employed the term to reflect societal issues, illustrating how morality can be noisome in corrupted environments.
  • Contemporary poets have drawn on the word to convey the heaviness of pollution and moral decay in urban landscapes.

Origin of 'noisome'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'nฤซesum', which means 'harmful' or 'offensive'.
  • It entered the English language in the early 15th century, giving it a longstanding history in identifying unpleasant things.
  • In late Middle English, it commonly described both bad smells and harmful conditions.

The term 'noisome' originates from Middle English 'noisom', which itself derives from the Old French 'noisom', meaning 'harmful' or 'noxious'. Those terms are rooted in the Latin 'noxius', which translates to 'harmful' or 'injurious'. The word has often been associated with unpleasant smells, contributing to its common usage in English literature since the 15th century to denote things that provoke a strong adverse reaction. Over time, its usage has broadened slightly but still retains the core meaning of being offensive or harmful. It is worth noting that despite its negative connotation, 'noisome' may sometimes refer to a more general discomfort rather than exclusively to odors. The evolution of 'noisome' points to the interplay between language, culture, and perceptions of health and morality.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,833, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.