reeking
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈriːkɪŋ/
KK: /ˈriːkɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Having a very strong and unpleasant smell.
Example
The garbage was reeking, making it hard to stay in the room.
Conversation
Did you smell that? It was absolutely reeking in the kitchen!
Yeah, I thought it was just me! What happened?
I think someone left the trash out too long.
Ugh, that's the worst! We need to take it out right away.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
foul
smelly
stinky
Antonyms
fragrant
pleasant
sweet
verb
Definition
To give off a strong, unpleasant smell.
Example
The garbage was reeking, making it hard to stay in the room.
Tense Forms
Past: reeked
Past Participle: reeked
Conversation
Did you smell that? Something is reeking over here.
Yeah, it’s pretty strong! What do you think it is?
I have no idea, but it’s definitely not pleasant.
Root Explanation
Reeking comes from the Old English 'reocan' (meaning to emit smoke or vapor) and the suffix '-ing' (indicating the action or result of a verb). The word 'reeking' describes the action of emitting a strong, unpleasant smell, often associated with smoke or decay.
Memory Tip
Think of something that is 'emitting' ('reocan') a strong smell — that's why 'reeking' means giving off a bad odor.
Visually Confused Words
reking
greekling
seeking
reeming
reefing
reeding
freeing
eking