How Do You Spell SMEAR?

Pronunciation: [smˈi͡ə] (IPA)

The word "smear" is spelled as /smɪr/. It is a verb that means to spread or coat something thinly over a surface. When pronouncing this word, the "s" is pronounced as /s/, the "m" is pronounced as /m/, the "e" is pronounced as /ɪ/, and the "a" is pronounced as /ə/. The final "r" is silent. The spelling of this word is relatively easy to remember and its meaning is versatile, as it can be used both literally and metaphorically.

SMEAR Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "smear" has multiple definitions and can be used in various contexts. As a verb, "smear" refers to the act of spreading or applying a substance unevenly over a surface. This could involve using fingers, a brush, or another tool to distribute the material untidily. For example, one might smear butter on bread or smear paint on a canvas. The action often results in a messy or indistinct appearance.

    Additionally, "smear" can denote a deliberate effort to tarnish someone's reputation or credibility, particularly through false accusations or misrepresentation. It may involve spreading rumors, disseminating misleading information, or engaging in character assassination. In this sense, smearing implies intentional damage to a person's standing or image, often for personal or political gain.

    As a noun, "smear" refers to the mark or stain left behind when a substance is smeared. It may connote a blurry or indistinct appearance due to the uneven application of the material. For instance, a grease smear on clothing or a smudge of ink on a paper.

    Furthermore, in a medical context, a "smear" can refer to a sample of cells collected from a body part, such as the cervix or skin, to be examined under a microscope. Pap smears, for instance, are a common screening test for cervical cancer where cells are collected from the cervix and analyzed for abnormalities.

    Overall, the term "smear" encompasses a range of meanings, including the act of unevenly spreading substances, defaming someone's reputation, the resulting mark or stain, and a medical procedure for cell examination.

  2. To overspread with greasy, fatty, or adhesive matter; to daub; to soil.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for SMEAR *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SMEAR

Etymology of SMEAR

The word "smear" originated from the Old English word "smerian", which means "to anoint, rub with fat or grease". This Old English term is believed to be derived from the Proto-Germanic word "smērōną" and the Proto-Indo-European root "smeru" (meaning "fat, grease"). Over time, the meaning of "smear" extended to include the application of various substances, such as paint or ink, in a spreading or daubing manner, resulting in its current usage.

Idioms with the word SMEAR

  • smear sth on(to) sm or sth The idiom "smear something on (to) someone or something" means to spread or apply a substance, typically in a careless or hasty manner, over someone or something. It often implies a messy or sloppy application.
  • smear campaign (against someone) The idiom "smear campaign (against someone)" refers to a coordinated effort to spread false or damaging information about a person with the intention of damaging their reputation or credibility. It involves a systematic and malicious attack on an individual's character or image, often using dishonest tactics to manipulate public opinion or tarnish their public perception. The purpose of a smear campaign is typically to discredit or undermine someone, especially in the context of politics, business, or public life.
  • smear sm or sth with sth The idiom "smear sm or sth with sth" means to spread or cover something or someone with a substance, especially in a messy, careless, or intentional manner. It implies applying or rubbing a substance (such as paint, dirt, or a viscous material) on a surface or person to create an undesirable or unattractive effect.
  • smear campaign The idiom "smear campaign" refers to a deliberate and dishonest effort to damage someone's reputation or credibility by spreading false or negative information about them, usually for political or personal gain. It involves the dissemination of slanderous accusations, rumors, or falsehoods in order to undermine the target's integrity or public image.
  • smear campaign (against sm) The idiom "smear campaign (against someone)" refers to a deliberate and often malicious effort to damage someone's reputation or credibility by spreading false information or making baseless accusations about them. It involves spreading rumors, creating negative narratives, or employing other means to discredit or tarnish someone's image in the eyes of others.

Similar spelling words for SMEAR

Plural form of SMEAR is SMEARS

Conjugate verb Smear

CONDITIONAL

I would smear
you would smear
he/she/it would smear
we would smear
they would smear

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be smearing
you would be smearing
he/she/it would be smearing
we would be smearing
they would be smearing

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have smear
you would have smear
he/she/it would have smear
we would have smear
they would have smear

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been smearing
you would have been smearing
he/she/it would have been smearing
we would have been smearing
they would have been smearing

FUTURE

I will smear
you will smear
he/she/it will smear
we will smear
they will smear

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be smearing
you will be smearing
he/she/it will be smearing
we will be smearing
they will be smearing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have smeared
you will have smeared
he/she/it will have smeared
we will have smeared
they will have smeared

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been smearing
you will have been smearing
he/she/it will have been smearing
we will have been smearing
they will have been smearing

IMPERATIVE

you smear
we let´s smear

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to smear

PAST

I smeared
you smeared
he/she/it smeared
we smeared
they smeared

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was smearing
you were smearing
he/she/it was smearing
we were smearing
they were smearing

PAST PARTICIPLE

smeared

PAST PERFECT

I had smeared
you had smeared
he/she/it had smeared
we had smeared
they had smeared

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been smearing
you had been smearing
he/she/it had been smearing
we had been smearing
they had been smearing

PRESENT

I smear
you smear
he/she/it smears
we smear
they smear

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am smearing
you are smearing
he/she/it is smearing
we are smearing
they are smearing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

smearing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have smeared
you have smeared
he/she/it has smeared
we have smeared
they have smeared

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been smearing
you have been smearing
he/she/it has been smearing
we have been smearing
they have been smearing
I would have smeared
we would have smeared
you would have smeared
he/she/it would have smeared
they would have smeared

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