sniff
B1Neutral to informal
Definition
Meaning
To draw air audibly up the nose, especially in short, repeated inhalations, to detect a smell or because of a cold.
To show disdain, suspicion, or to investigate something subtly; also used for detecting something intangible (e.g., trouble, an opportunity).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb can denote both an involuntary physical action (due to a cold) and a deliberate investigative act. The noun form often implies a sign of disdain or a small amount.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. The idiom 'sniff around' is more common in US English for investigating. The noun 'snifter' (for brandy) is not related to 'sniff' in UK usage.
Connotations
Similar in both. Can connote suspicion, disdain, or a casual check.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[V] (intransitive: He sniffed.)[V + at + NP] (The dog sniffed at the ground.)[V + NP] (transitive: She sniffed the milk.)[V + NP + adj.] (He sniffed the air crisp.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sniff out (to discover)”
- “sniff around (to investigate)”
- “not to be sniffed at (not to be dismissed)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Used metaphorically: 'Investors began to sniff trouble in the market.'
Academic
Rare, except in specific fields like chemistry or animal behaviour.
Everyday
Very common for describing smelling, cold symptoms, or showing disdain.
Technical
Used in chemistry ('sniff test'), computing ('packet sniffing'), and animal training.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He gave a loud sniff to clear his nose.
- The customs dog will sniff for drugs.
- She sniffed at the cheap wine.
American English
- He sniffled and wiped his nose.
- The detective sniffed out the clue.
- I sniffed the milk to see if it was sour.
adjective
British English
- The 'sniff test' is a basic way to check food.
- He has a sniffing manner about him.
American English
- She took a sniffing approach to the problem.
- The dog has great sniffing ability.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The dog sniffed my hand.
- I have a cold, so I sniff a lot.
- She sniffed the perfume before buying it.
- He sniffed suspiciously at the old cheese.
- The journalist sniffed around for a story.
- You could sniff the tension in the room.
- The deal was not to be sniffed at, given the company's precarious finances.
- He could sniff out hypocrisy from a mile away.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a dog's nose going 'sniff, sniff' - short, sharp sounds that spell the word.
Conceptual Metaphor
INVESTIGATION IS SNIFFING (e.g., 'sniffing out corruption'). DISDAIN IS A PHYSICAL REJECTION OF A SMELL (e.g., 'she sniffed at the idea').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'нюхать' for a prolonged, deliberate smelling. 'Sniff' implies short, sharp intakes. For a runny nose, 'сопливить' is not equivalent to 'sniff' which is the action of drawing mucus back in.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'He sniffed the flower deeply.' (Use 'smelled' for a deep, long inhalation). Incorrect: 'Stop to sniff.' (Use 'stop sniffing' as a command).
Practice
Quiz
In the phrase 'not to be sniffed at', what does 'sniffed' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is generally neutral to informal. In formal writing, alternatives like 'detect' or 'investigate' might be preferred for metaphorical uses.
Yes, though often associated with suspicion or disdain, it can be neutral (sniff a flower) or positive (sniff out an opportunity).
'Sniff' is a single, deliberate or involuntary inhalation. 'Sniffle' implies repeated, light sniffs, often because one is crying or has a cold.
Yes. It can mean a single act of sniffing ('She took a sniff') or a hint or trace ('There wasn't a sniff of evidence').