The word "reek" can be used both as a noun and a verb. Let's break it down for you:
As a Noun:
Definition: "Reek" refers to a strong, unpleasant smell. It is often used to describe odors that are offensive or make you feel bad.
Example: "The reek of garbage filled the room." This means that the smell of the garbage was very strong and unpleasant.
As a Verb:
Definition: As a verb, "reek" means to give off or emit a strong odor. It can also mean to smell very bad.
Usage: You can use "reek" to describe things that produce bad smells or to say that someone or something smells strongly of something unpleasant.
Example: "The fish reeked after being left out in the sun." This means the fish had a very strong and bad smell.
Advanced Usage:
Sometimes "reek" can be used more figuratively to suggest something negative, not just in terms of smell. For example, if someone says, "His actions reek of dishonesty," it means that his actions strongly suggest that he is dishonest, even if it is not directly about a smell.
Word Variants:
Reeking (adjective): This describes something that has a strong, unpleasant smell. For example, "The reeking odor of sulfur was hard to bear."
Reeked (past tense): This is used to talk about something that gave off a bad smell in the past. Example: "The room reeked of smoke after the fire."
Different Meanings:
Apart from the smell, "reek" can imply a suggestion of something negative, such as dishonesty or bad behavior, as mentioned earlier.
Synonyms:
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
Example Sentences:
Noun: "After the storm, there was a reek of wet earth in the air."
Verb: "The old socks reek after being left in the gym bag for too long."
Summary:
"Reek" is a versatile word primarily used to talk about bad smells but can also suggest negative qualities in a more figurative sense.