fetid
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “fetid” mean?
adjective.smelling extremely unpleasant.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages related to decay, pollution, or unpleasant environments, emphasizing the severity of the odor and its associations with rot or filth. It suggests a more intense and repulsive smell than similar words like "stinky" or "smelly," evoking a strong emotional reaction and a vivid sensory image.
Common Confusions
Fetid implies a strong, repulsive odor often associated with decay, while pungent usually suggests a sharp, strong smell that can be either pleasant or unpleasant.
Do not choose fetid if the context emphasizes freshness or pleasantness rather than smelling extremely unpleasant.
Example Sentences
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I caught the fetid odor of dirty socks.