stank
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /stæŋk/
KK: /stæŋk/
noun
Definition
A small water-filled area or a ditch, often used for irrigation or drainage.
Example
The farmer built a stank to help manage the water flow in his fields.
Conversation
Did you see that stank by the park yesterday?
Yeah, I did! It looked pretty gross.
I wonder how long it’s been sitting there.
Probably too long — it really needs to be cleaned up.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
ditch
pond
reservoir
Antonyms
mountain
hill
peak
verb
Definition
To have a strong, unpleasant smell.
Example
The garbage stank after being left out in the sun for too long.
Tense Forms
Past: stank
Past Participle: stunk
Conversation
Did you notice how the gym stank yesterday?
Yeah, it was pretty unbearable!
I wonder what caused it to stank so much this time.
Root Explanation
The word 'stank' is the past tense of 'stink', which originates from Old English 'stincan' (meaning to emit a strong odor). The word 'stank' refers to the past action of emitting a foul smell.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old English word 'stincan' meaning to emit a strong odor — that's why 'stank' refers to something that emitted a bad smell in the past.
Visually Confused Words
tank
sank
twank
trank
thank
tanka
tanak
swank