smell
To perceive an odor using the nose. / To emit a particular odor. / The faculty or power of perceiving odors. / A specific odor perceived by the nose.
Transitive VerbIntransitive Verb[C/U] Both
pl: smellspast: smelledpp: smelting: smelling
This word carries a dual nature, shifting between a neutral sensory perception and a negative judgment. While perceiving a scent is a biological fact, saying something simply smells often implies a foul or unpleasant aroma, whereas a pleasant scent is usually specified as a fragrance or aroma.
In social contexts, the word can signal a suspicion of dishonesty or danger, as in sensing something is wrong before it becomes obvious. It evokes a visceral, immediate reaction that bypasses logical reasoning, linking the physical sensation directly to memory or instinct.
Countable when referring to a specific scent like a smell of cinnamon. Uncountable when referring to the general ability of olfaction.
Meanings
Transitive Verb
[~ someone][~ something]