stench

IPA/stentʃ/
KK[stˈɛntʃ]IPA/stentʃ/

stench — noun

  • stenchsingular
  • stenchesplural

1. A very strong and disgusting smell produced by something that is rotting, has bu

1.名詞B1
釋義

A very strong and disgusting smell produced by something that is rotting, has burned, or has been left dirty for a long time.

例句

A stench of rotten fish filled the kitchen after the freezer broke down.

stench of + noun (source of smell)

The Watanabe family could not enjoy their lunch because of the stench coming from the blocked drain.

同義詞
  • stink

    similar meaning but slightly less intense and more informal

  • reek

    often used as a verb ('to reek of something'); as a noun, rarer than 'stench'

  • odor

    more neutral and can describe any smell, pleasant or unpleasant

反義詞
  • fragrance

    a pleasant, sweet smell

  • aroma

    a pleasant smell, especially of food or drink

文法句型

stench of + source noun

用法筆記

Stronger than 'stink' — stench suggests an almost unbearable level of unpleasantness. Often used with the preposition 'of' to name the source.

常見錯誤

❌I noticed a stench of flowers in the garden.
✅I noticed a stench of rotten eggs in the basement.
💡'stench' is only for very unpleasant smells, not neutral or pleasant ones.
❌There are several stenches in the room.
✅There is a terrible stench in the room.
💡'stench' is almost always used in singular form.

2. A lasting bad reputation or feeling that follows a person, group, or place after

2.名詞C1
釋義

A lasting bad reputation or feeling that follows a person, group, or place after something dishonest, shameful, or cruel has happened there.

例句

The corruption scandal left a stench of dishonesty around City Hall that lasted for years.

stench of + abstract noun (dishonesty, corruption)

After the failed peace talks, a stench of betrayal hung over the committee room.

同義詞
  • taint

    a trace of something bad that affects the whole; slightly more general

  • disgrace

    loss of respect; stronger on the social dimension but does not carry the 'lingering smell' metaphor

反義詞
  • honor

    a good reputation earned through honest behavior

  • cleanliness

    freedom from moral stain, used in the context of having 'clean hands'

文法句型

stench of + abstract noun (corruption, betrayal, scandal)

用法筆記

Only used in the singular. Common in news reports and political commentary. Always requires 'of' followed by an abstract noun naming the source of the disgrace.

常見錯誤

❌He left a stench of rotten fish in the office.' (when meaning he created a bad atmosphere)
✅He left a stench of dishonesty in the office.
💡the figurative sense needs an abstract moral quality, not a literal substance.