Smelled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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smelled
[smษld ]
Definition
past tense
The word 'smelled' is the past tense of 'smell'. It refers to the act of perceiving odors. When someone says they 'smelled' something, they indicate that they detected a scent using their sense of smell.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She smelled the flowers in the garden.
- He smelled the aroma of freshly baked bread.
- The dog smelled something unusual.
- They smelled the smoke coming from the fire.
- I smelled the coffee brewing.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Humans can distinguish over 1 trillion different scents due to a complex olfactory system.
- The sense of smell is closely linked to memory; certain scents can trigger vivid memories and emotions.
- When we smell something, airborne chemicals bond to receptors in the nose, sending signals to the brain.
Psychology
- Research shows that scents can influence mood and behavior, such as calming anxiety or boosting confidence.
- The act of smelling is tied to the limbic system, the part of the brain associated with emotions and memories.
- People can be more attached to their favorite smells than to specific sounds or sights because of the emotional connections formed.
Pop Culture
- In literature, smell often symbolizes memory and nostalgia, as writers use scents to bring characters' past experiences to life.
- Fragrances have been part of human culture for centuries, often associated with rituals and traditions across various civilizations.
- Movies and TV shows may use smells as plot devices, such as a character instantly recognizing a favored scent from childhood.
Education
- Smelling is often celebrated in early childhood education, encouraging children to explore their surroundings with all their senses.
- Sensory activities involving scents can help children enhance their vocabulary and observational skills.
- Classes in aromatherapy teach about the importance of natural scents in promoting wellness and relaxation.
Origin of 'smelled'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Old English 'smellan', meaning to perceive a scent.
- Its roots can be traced back to Proto-Germanic '*smalลnฤ ', showing connections across various Germanic languages.
- In Middle English, the form 'smelled' was used as a past tense, helping regularize verbs in the language.
The word 'smelled' originates from the Old English term 'smฤlan', which means 'to smell, perceive by the nose'. This term is related to the Proto-Germanic '*smลljan', which has the same meaning. Over time, it evolved into the Middle English 'smellen', leading to the modern form 'smell'. The concept of smelling has significant cultural and biological importance, tied closely to memory and emotions. As a sensory perception, the ability to smell has aided in survival by helping humans detect food, danger, or pheromones. Additionally, the evolution of the word 'smell' reflects linguistic changes across centuries, where different forms emerged in various dialects. The past participle 'smelled' became standard in American English, while 'smelt' is often used in British English. This highlights the diverse linguistic landscape within English-speaking populations.