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Putrid: meaning, definitions and examples

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putrid

 

[ˈpjuːtrɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

smell

Decomposed and foul-smelling; rotten.

Synonyms

rancid, rotten, spoiled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
putrid

Typically used to describe something that is decayed and emits a very unpleasant smell. Often associated with decomposition and very negative contexts.

  • The putrid smell of the garbage made everyone cover their noses
  • The meat left out in the sun became putrid in a matter of hours
rotten

Describes food or organic matter that has decayed. Often used in everyday situations to describe fruit, vegetables, or meat that are no longer good to eat.

  • The apples in the basket were rotten
  • He threw away the rotten tomatoes from the fridge
rancid

Used mainly to describe fats or oils that have gone bad and developed an unpleasant smell or taste. Often encountered in cooking or food storage contexts.

  • The butter had become rancid after being out of the fridge for too long
  • The rancid smell of the old oil was overpowering
spoiled

Used to describe food that is no longer fresh or has gone bad, but not necessarily decayed to the point of being putrid. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who has been pampered excessively.

  • The milk has spoiled, it smells awful
  • The child was so spoiled that he always got whatever he wanted

Examples of usage

  • The putrid smell of rotten eggs filled the room.
  • The garbage left in the sun for days had become putrid.
Context #2 | Adjective

disgusting

Extremely unpleasant; repulsive.

Synonyms

disgusting, foul, revolting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
putrid

Used to describe a strong, unpleasant smell, often from decaying or rotting matter.

  • The waste in the back alley was putrid
  • The putrid smell filled the entire room
disgusting

General term for something that causes strong feelings of dislike or revulsion, typically relating to anything repellent to senses or morality.

  • That spoiled milk is disgusting
  • The way he treated her was absolutely disgusting
foul

Used to describe something with an extremely offensive smell, or an action that is morally repulsive.

  • The bathroom had a foul odor
  • His foul language was inappropriate for the event
revolting

Refers to something that causes a strong feeling of disgust, often visual or in reference to an idea or behavior.

  • The sight of the moldy bread was revolting
  • The revolting thought made him feel sick

Examples of usage

  • The putrid taste of the food made him gag.
  • She couldn't stand the putrid sight of the decaying animal.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'putridus', meaning 'rotten' or 'decayed'.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European word '*peu-', which means 'to rot' or 'to be rotten'.

Biology

  • Putrid smells often come from bacteria breaking down organic matter, which is essential for nutrient recycling in ecosystems.
  • Certain anaerobic bacteria thrive in putrid conditions, helping to break down waste where oxygen is scarce.

Literature

  • The word appears in classic works of literature to describe decay, exemplifying themes of mortality and disgust.
  • Many authors use 'putrid' to evoke strong sensory responses, helping readers visualize scenes of decay and neglect.

Cultural References

  • 'Putrid' is often used in horror films and literature to create an atmosphere of dread or decay, enhancing the feeling of fear.
  • In culinary contexts, the term can describe spoiled food, signaling a clear warning about health risks.

Psychology

  • Our aversion to putrid odors is a survival instinct, protecting us from potentially harmful substances.
  • The smell of decay has been shown to trigger strong emotional responses, often linked with memories and feelings of disgust.

Translations

Translations of the word "putrid" in other languages:

🇵🇹 podre

🇮🇳 सड़ना

🇩🇪 verfault

🇮🇩 busuk

🇺🇦 гнилий

🇵🇱 zgniły

🇯🇵 腐った

🇫🇷 pourri

🇪🇸 putrefacto

🇹🇷 çürümüş

🇰🇷 썩은

🇸🇦 متعفن

🇨🇿 hnilý

🇸🇰 hnilý

🇨🇳 腐烂的

🇸🇮 gnil

🇮🇸 gufandi

🇰🇿 шіріген

🇬🇪 შეუთავსებელი

🇦🇿 çürümüş

🇲🇽 putrefacto

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,604, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.