miasma: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Literary/Formal
Quick answer
What does “miasma” mean?
A highly unpleasant or unhealthy smell or vapour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A highly unpleasant or unhealthy smell or vapour.
An oppressive or unpleasant atmosphere that surrounds or arises from something; a harmful or corrupting influence pervading a situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage; equally literary/formal in both varieties.
Connotations
Evokes a sense of archaic or historical disease theory, but strong metaphorical use for moral or social corruption.
Frequency
Low frequency in both; slightly more common in British literary/academic contexts due to historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “miasma” in a Sentence
A miasma of [noun phrase] (e.g., corruption, despair)A miasma hung over/around [place/group]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “miasma” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The miasmic vapours rose from the fen.
- A miasmic atmosphere of suspicion.
American English
- The miasmic swamp air was thick.
- The debate created a miasmic political climate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May be used metaphorically: 'A miasma of scandal engulfed the firm.'
Academic
Used in historical/medical contexts and literary criticism.
Everyday
Very rare. Would sound overly dramatic or literary.
Technical
Historical medical term for 'bad air' thought to cause disease.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “miasma”
- Pronouncing it /ˈmiːəzmə/ (incorrect).
- Using it for a simple bad smell in casual contexts.
- Confusing it with 'malaria' (which shares an etymological connection via 'bad air').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, literary/formal word mostly encountered in historical, medical, or figurative contexts.
Almost never. Its core semantics are negative (unhealthy, foul, corrupting).
Register and connotation. 'Stench' is a straightforward, common word for a strong bad smell. 'Miasma' is literary, often implies a diffuse, vaporous quality, and is heavily used metaphorically.
Yes, but it is even rarer. It is used in similar literary contexts (e.g., 'miasmic swamp', 'miasmic atmosphere').
A highly unpleasant or unhealthy smell or vapour.
Miasma is usually literary/formal in register.
Miasma: in British English it is pronounced /miˈazmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /maɪˈæzmə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A miasma of corruption/despair/fear”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'My asthma was triggered by the MIASMA from the swamp.'
Conceptual Metaphor
CORRUPTION IS A POLLUTING GAS/AIR; BAD INFLUENCE IS BAD AIR.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'miasma' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?