The word "noisome" is spelled with five letters, but its pronunciation may surprise you. The IPA phonetic transcription of "noisome" is /ˈnɔɪsəm/. The "oi" sound is pronounced as "oy" like in the word "boy". The "e" at the end is silent, so the emphasis is on the "o" and the "i" sounds. "Noisome" means unpleasant or offensive, especially referring to odors. Be careful not to confuse it with the similar-sounding word "noxious", which means harmful or poisonous.
Noisome is an adjective that describes something as unpleasant or offensive, particularly in terms of its smell or odor. It is often used to depict an offensive or disgusting nature, and can also pertain to a general feeling of discomfort or annoyance. The term derives from the Middle English word "noy", meaning harm or injury, and "some", which implies causing or characterized by a particular quality.
The primary usage of noisome is in reference to foul odors, referring to things that emit a strong, repugnant smell that can cause discomfort or distress. This could include the stench of rotting garbage, a decaying corpse, or stagnant water. It is often associated with obnoxious or harmful gases, vapors, or substances that can permeate the air and cause unpleasant sensations.
Additionally, noisome can sometimes extend beyond its olfactory implications to encompass other senses, indicating something that is overwhelmingly offensive, destructive, or repulsive. This might refer to an idea or behavior that is highly unpleasant or irritating, causing great annoyance or vexation.
In summary, noisome typically refers to something foul-smelling or repugnant that provokes intense discomfort or annoyance. Its usage underscores the offensiveness and repulsiveness of the object in question, encompassing not only its odor but also evoking a greater sense of disgust or unease.
Unwholesome; injurious; offensive to the smell or other senses.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "noisome" can be traced back to Old English and Old French. It derives from the Old English word "noysome", meaning "harmful" or "annoying". This term spawned from the Old French word "noisum", which originated from the Latin word "noxius", meaning "hurtful" or "noxious". Ultimately, the Latin root can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*nek-", indicating "death" or "to kill". Over time, the meaning of "noisome" evolved to primarily refer to offensive or disgusting smells, but it can also be applied to anything else that is harmful, unpleasant, or obnoxious.