odour - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
odour Word Meanings
- a smell, especially an unpleasant one
- a distinctive scent or fragrance
- figurative sense of a pervasive quality or influence
odour Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
odour Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
//ˈəʊ.dər/
US
//ˈoʊ.dɚ/
odour Word Etymology
Root: 'odor' (from Latin) + suffix '-our' (from Old French). Historical origin: Latin 'odorem' > Old French 'odour' > English 'odour'. Memory image: Imagine a beautiful flower with a great fragrance but also a rotten fruit nearby, highlighting the contrast of pleasant and unpleasant scents.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Odour is a noun for a smell, especially when you want to signal a distinct scent that is noticeable without being seen. In everyday British English, odour covers both pleasant and unpleasant smells, though it leans toward the more formal register compared to odor; in informal American speech, odor is more common. The word can also be used figuratively: a political odour, a lingering odour of corruption, or the odour of success. Spelling differences matter in cross-border writing: odour is British, odor is American. Pronunciation is /ˈəʊ. dɔːr/ in British English and /ˈoʊ. dɚ/ in American. Understanding this helps learners choose the right form and feel of subtle distinction within contexts.
Usage Reminders
- - Odour is the British spelling; odor is American.
- - Use odour for smells, especially in formal or literary contexts; use odor in casual writing.
- - Odour can describe both pleasant and unpleasant scents, but often signals a notable smell.
- - Be mindful of collocations: strong odour, faint odour, lingering odour.
- - In international writing, pick one variant and stick with it.
Common Misconceptions
- Odour always means a bad smell; it can be pleasant.
- Odour is only British; odor is only American.
- Odour cannot be used figuratively.
- The spelling difference changes the core meaning.
- You should never use odour in casual writing.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker that odour/odor are regional spellings signaling context and tone; learners often mix spellings or assume one variant always indicates a negative smell.
Learning Tips
- Learn that odour and odor share the same meaning; focus on context to choose the right spelling.
- Remember that odour often sounds more formal and 'British'.
- Use examples with both senses: an odour, a strong odour, a pleasant odour.
- Avoid mixing spellings within the same document; pick one variant.
- Read texts aloud to hear the subtle difference in tone.
- Watch for collocations: strong odour, faint odour, lingering odour.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the definition of 'odour'?
A.A type of musical instrument.
B.A smell, especially a strong or unpleasant one.
C.A method of cooking food.
D.A color in the spectrum.
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct sentence using the word 'odour':
A.He had an odour reputation among his peers.
B.She felt odour after running a marathon.
C.The odour of freshly baked bread filled the room.
D.They used an odour to decorate the living room.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'odour'?
A.Fragrance
B.Noise
C.Taste
D.Color
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'odour'?
A.Aroma
B.Stench
C.Foulness
D.Scent
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where the word 'odour' could be used?
A.The garbage had a very strong scent.
B.After the rain, the air had a pleasant odour.
C.She wore perfume that had a delightful smell.
D.The flowers bloomed beautifully in the garden.
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