Make Your Point > Archived Issues > NOISOME

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explore the archives: "Noisome" usually describes annoying smells (and not sounds) even though it looks like "noisy." So, "noisome" is the word you want for the smell that really bothers you with its grossness. Now intensity that: what's the word you want for the smell that's really, really, really offensively gross? It's f___d. make your point with... "NOISOME" Something noisome is annoying because it's stinky or unpleasant. Pronunciation: NOY sum Part of speech: Adjective. (Adjectives are describing words, like "large" or "late." They can be used in two ways: 1. Right before a noun, as in "a noisome thing." 2. After a linking verb, as in "It was noisome.") Other forms: noisomely, noisomeness How to use it: Even though it looks like "noisy," that's not what "noisome" means. In fact, "noisome" is closely related to the word "annoy" (and not "noise").  Use "noisome" to describe things that (literally or figuratively) stink so much that they irritate you. Although you might talk about a noisome character in a book or noisome pack of picky customers, "noisome" is less often used to describe people and more often used for things: a noisome odor or stench (or a noisome basement, a noisome old fish, etc.), a noisome atmosphere or scene, a noisome weed or insect, noisome manipulation, noisome greed, and so on. examples: Termite swarm season is one of those noisome things about Hawaii that magazines just gloss right over. Unnecessary words are such noisome weeds. I yank some out of my writing only to see more grow back. study it now: Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "noisome" means when you can explain it without saying "foul-smelling" or "irritating." try it out: Think of a place or situation you've been in that stinks, literally or figuratively. Fill in the blanks: "I try to avoid the noisome (atmosphere/situation) of _____." Literal example: "I try to avoid the noisome atmosphere of those stores. You know them if you've been there. They smell like Doritos and feet." Figurative example: "I try to avoid the noisome situation of committing to more than I can handle." before you review: Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first. This month, we’re playing with anagrams: rearrangements of the letters in a word to form new words. (For example, “care” has two anagrams: “acre” and “race.”) Looking for these makes you a stronger player in other word games. But more importantly, it helps you practice thinking flexibly and methodically. Plus you get to giggle at potential non-words and discover new real words. We’ll work our way from shorter to longer anagrams. And at any point if you wonder why I left out a word you wanted to list, or why I included a word you think isn’t a real one, hold your fire: our authority for this game is ScrabbleWordFinder.org, which draws from a highly inclusive dictionary. Let’s play! From yesterday: What are the 2 anagrams for PEACH? Answer: CHAPE and CHEAP. Among other meanings, a chape is an ornamented metal plate. Probably not cheap! Try this one today: What are the 2 anagrams for TROPE? review today's word: 1. The opposite of NOISOME is A. AGREEABLE B. BLITHE C. CANDIED 2. She kept her distance from the paper, as though it were a noisome _____. A. flame B. trap C. fungus Answers are below. a final word: To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. A 2. C