odour

odour — noun

1. what you notice through your nose when something gives off a smell — usually a s

1.名詞C2
釋義

what you notice through your nose when something gives off a smell — usually a strong or unpleasant one, such as the smell of rotting food, sweat, or chemicals.

例句

A sour odour drifted from the bin Marcus had forgotten to empty for two weeks.

an odour drifted from + source

The kitchen filled with the rich odour of garlic and roasted lamb.

the odour of + food noun

同義詞
  • smell

    everyday neutral word; 'odour' is more formal and often hints at unpleasantness

  • scent

    usually pleasant or distinctive (perfume, flowers); 'odour' leans neutral or bad

  • stench

    always strong and unpleasant; stronger than 'odour'

  • aroma

    pleasant smell, especially of food or coffee; opposite tone to 'odour'

文法句型

an odour of + noun

give off an odour

用法筆記

More formal than 'smell' and slightly clinical; common in writing, food reviews, and medical or scientific contexts. Often paired with adjectives that judge the smell (foul, faint, sweet, sharp). 'Odour' is the British spelling; American English uses 'odor'.

常見錯誤

❌The cheese has a strong odor.' (in a UK textbook)
✅The cheese has a strong odour.
💡Taiwan learners are often taught American spelling; in British contexts use 'odour'.
❌I smelled an odour of coffee from the kitchen.
✅I smelled coffee from the kitchen.
💡using 'smell' as both verb and noun sounds heavy; pick one.

2. a feeling or quality that surrounds a situation and that people sense without be

2.名詞C2
釋義

a feeling or quality that surrounds a situation and that people sense without being told — for example, a hint of dishonesty around a business deal, or a mood of fear in a meeting room.

例句

There was an odour of scandal around the mayor's sudden resignation last spring.

an odour of + abstract noun (scandal)

The contract carried a faint odour of corruption that worried the new auditor.

an odour of + corruption / suspicion

同義詞
  • air

    neutral; can be positive or negative

  • hint

    smaller and more tentative; 'odour' suggests something more noticeable

  • whiff

    informal; same negative figurative use ('a whiff of scandal')

文法句型

an odour of + abstract noun

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1: this figurative use is almost always negative (scandal, suspicion, corruption, fear, insincerity) and appears in writing rather than speech. Subject is usually a situation, statement, or institution rather than a physical object.

常見錯誤

❌The festival had an odour of joy.
✅The festival had an air of joy.
💡figurative 'odour' carries a negative tone; use 'air' or 'atmosphere' for positive feelings.