smell
Third Person
smells
Present Participle
smelling
Past Tense
smelled
Past Participle
smelled
1
to release a particular scent
- The flowers in the garden smell especially fragrant in the morning.
- Coffee beans always smell enticing when freshly ground.
- Yesterday, the bakery smelled of warm, freshly baked bread.
- The air smelled of salt and seaweed as we walked along the beach.
- Right now, the kitchen is smelling of herbs and spices as the chef prepares the meal.
2
to recognize or become aware of a particular scent
transitive
- I always smell the aroma of fresh coffee when I enter the cafe.
- She often smells the scent of roses in her garden.
- Yesterday, I smelled a delicious fragrance coming from the bakery.
- Why are you always smelling the air after it rains?
- Right now, I am smelling the flowers in the botanical garden.
3
to emit an unpleasant or offensive odor
- The garbage left unattended began to smell, attracting flies and other pests.
- The dumpster behind the restaurant smelled so bad that customers complained to the management.
- The fish left out in the sun began to smell, signaling that it was no longer safe to eat.
- After days of rain, the stagnant water in the gutter began to smell.
4
to intuitively detect or suspect something without concrete evidence
transitive
- She smelled trouble when she noticed the suspicious behavior of her coworkers.
- The experienced detective could smell a lie from a mile away.
- She smelled danger when she heard the unfamiliar noises coming from the dark alley.
- The seasoned journalist could smell a scoop when she stumbled upon an intriguing lead.
- She smelled deceit in his excuses and knew he was hiding something from her.
5
to suggest or evoke a particular quality or feeling
- The freshly baked cookies smelled of home and comfort, reminding her of childhood.
- The old bookstore smelled of nostalgia, transporting him back to his favorite childhood stories.
- The bustling city streets smelled of opportunity and ambition, drawing dreamers from far and wide.
- The quiet countryside smelled of tranquility and peace, offering solace to weary souls.
- The salty sea breeze smelled of freedom and possibility, beckoning travelers to distant shores.