How Do You Spell SMELL OF?

Pronunciation: [smˈɛl ɒv] (IPA)

The phrase "smell of" is pronounced /smɛl ʌv/. The first word, "smell" is spelled with an "m" and two "l's" to represent the nasal consonant followed by a short vowel sound. The second word, "of," is spelled with an "o" and "f" to represent the vowel sound and the unvoiced consonant. "Smell of" is commonly used in English to indicate an odor or scent, and is often accompanied by a noun, such as "the smell of fresh bread."

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
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SMELL OF Meaning and Definition

  1. The phrase "smell of" refers to the olfactory perception or the characteristic odor emitted by a particular entity, substance, environment, or concept. It depicts the act of perceiving a scent or the specific olfactory impression that is associated with a given subject. When used in a sentence, the phrase can describe an aroma that emanates from an object or a person, often providing sensory information about its nature, quality, or character.

    "Smell of" can also encapsulate the notion of a tangible, discernible scent, typically detected through the sense of smell. It denotes the presence of distinct fragrances, aromas, or odors that are distinguishable due to their unique combination of chemical compounds or components. This phrase can be used to convey a broad range of scents or smells, ranging from pleasant and enticing aromas to foul and unpleasant odors. Additionally, "smell of" can be employed to express the sense of familiarity or association that arises when recognizing the signature scent of a particular object, place, or event. In such cases, it enables the recollection of memories or experiences tied to a specific odor, evoking emotions or triggering nostalgia.

    Ultimately, the phrase "smell of" captures the sensory experience of perceiving a distinct scent or odor that is singular to a given entity, substance, or environment, encompassing the inherent qualities, associations, and impacts of the detected aroma.

Common Misspellings for SMELL OF

  • smellof
  • smelof
  • amell of
  • zmell of
  • xmell of
  • dmell of
  • emell of
  • wmell of
  • snell of
  • skell of
  • sjell of
  • smwll of
  • smsll of
  • smdll of
  • smrll of
  • sm4ll of
  • sm3ll of
  • smekl of
  • smepl of
  • smeol of

Etymology of SMELL OF

The word "smell" can be traced back to the Old English word "smellan", which meant "sense the smell of; detect by smell; perceive as a smell". It evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "smelanan" and the Proto-Indo-European root "smel-", which meant "to perceive the odor". Over time, the word "smell" came to be used as both a noun and a verb, referring to the sense of perceiving odors as well as the act of emitting or perceiving odors. The expression "smell of" simply denotes the action or state of emitting a particular odor or being associated with a particular scent.

Idioms with the word SMELL OF

  • smell of the lamp The idiom "smell of the lamp" refers to the evidence of hard work, dedication, and long hours spent on intellectual or creative activities, particularly in writing or studying. It suggests that someone has been so immersed in their work that their effort is noticeable and tangible, even to the point where one can smell the oil from the lamp they used to stay up late.
  • smell of sth The idiom "smell of something" refers to giving a strong indication or suggestion of a particular quality, often before it is explicitly stated or confirmed. It implies the presence of something or the possibility of something happening or being true. It can be used when there are subtle or indirect signs or indications of a certain situation or condition.
  • live on the smell of an oil rag The idiom "live on the smell of an oil rag" means to live or survive with very little money or resources, often in a state of extreme poverty. It implies that the person's lifestyle is so meager that even the faint odor or whiff of an oil rag is enough to sustain them.
  • the sweet smell of success The definition of the idiom "the sweet smell of success" is a metaphorical expression used to describe the feeling of achieving great triumph or accomplishment. It implies a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment that comes with achieving one's goals or aspirations.
  • the smell of the lamp The idiom "the smell of the lamp" refers to the distinctive odor associated with burning the midnight oil or intense and prolonged studying or working. It symbolizes the tireless and dedicated effort put into intellectual work or creative pursuits.
  • live on the smell of an oily rag The idiom "live on the smell of an oily rag" refers to living with very little money or resources, barely making ends meet, and leading a frugal or austere lifestyle. It implies managing to survive or sustain oneself with the bare minimum, just like relying on the faint scent of an oily rag rather than its substance to get by.
  • live off smell of an oily rag The idiom "live off the smell of an oily rag" is used to describe someone who survives on very limited resources or lives a frugal lifestyle. It suggests that the person has so little that they can only survive off the scent of an oily rag, which is not enough to sustain them properly.