odor
B2Formal, technical, literary
Definition
Meaning
A distinctive smell, especially an unpleasant one.
A quality or atmosphere that is perceived to be characteristic of a person, place, or situation; a figurative sense of reputation or impression.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used for unpleasant smells in everyday contexts, but can be neutral or positive in technical/scientific contexts (e.g., 'pleasant odor'). Often implies a stronger, more pervasive, or more distinctive smell than 'smell'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'odour' is standard in British English; 'odor' is standard in American English.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties: often negative, but neutral in scientific/technical registers.
Frequency
More common in American English than in British English, where 'smell' is often preferred in everyday contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
odor of + noun (odor of smoke)odor from + noun (odor from the kitchen)adjective + odor (a foul odor)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in bad odor (with someone) = in disfavour”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like food, chemicals, or sanitation (e.g., 'odor control products').
Academic
Common in scientific writing (biology, chemistry, environmental science) to describe smells neutrally.
Everyday
Used, but 'smell' is more frequent. Often for negative smells (e.g., 'There's a funny odor in the fridge.').
Technical
Standard term in chemistry, perfumery, food science, and environmental studies.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The rubbish began to odour the whole alleyway.
- The chemical odoured strongly of ammonia.
American English
- The garbage began to odor the whole alley.
- The chemical odored strongly of ammonia.
adjective
British English
- The odourless gas was dangerous.
- An odorous compound was released.
American English
- The odorless gas was dangerous.
- An odorous compound was released.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I don't like the odor of this cheese.
- There is a bad odor in the bathroom.
- A strange odor was coming from the basement.
- The chemical has a very strong odor.
- The odor of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen.
- They installed a system to eliminate unpleasant odors from the factory.
- The scandal left the government in a distinct odor of corruption.
- Scientists can identify the compound by its distinctive molecular odor.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ODOR' as 'Oh Dear! Oh Rotten!' – a reaction to a bad smell.
Conceptual Metaphor
SMELL IS A QUALITY/ATMOSPHERE (e.g., 'an odor of corruption'), REPUTATION IS A SMELL (e.g., 'in bad odor').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'аромат' (aroma), which is positive. 'Odor' is closer to 'запах', which can be neutral or negative.
- The idiom 'in bad odor' does not translate literally; it means 'в немилости' or 'в дурной славе'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'odor' for pleasant smells in casual conversation (use 'scent' or 'fragrance').
- Misspelling as 'odour' in American English or 'odor' in British English.
- Pronouncing the 'o' as in 'odd' instead of the diphthong /əʊ/ or /oʊ/.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'odor' most likely to be used neutrally or positively?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but it often is in everyday use. In scientific, medical, or technical contexts, it is a neutral term for any smell.
'Smell' is the most general and neutral term. 'Odor' is more formal and often implies a stronger, more distinctive, or less pleasant smell.
The correct British English spelling is 'odour'. 'Odor' is the American English spelling.
Yes, but it is very rare and formal (e.g., 'The substance odored of sulphur'). The verb 'smell' is almost always used instead.