Pronunciation: [smˈi͡əɹɪə] (IPA) 
The word "smearier" is spelled with two syllables, "smear-i-er." The first syllable, "smear," is pronounced [smɪər], with a short "i" sound followed by a schwa sound. The second syllable, "-ier," is pronounced [i-ər], with a long "i" sound followed by a schwa sound. The word means "having or showing a tendency to spread or soil," and is often used to describe a substance or material that is difficult to clean or remove.
Smearier is the comparative form of the adjective "smear." The word smear refers to the act of spreading a substance in a careless, untidy, or unskilled manner, resulting in a messy or uneven appearance. It can also denote the act of besmirching or tarnishing someone's reputation through false or damaging allegations.
Smearier, therefore, describes something that is more prone to smearing or spreading in an untidy or disorderly manner. This term implies that the substance or material possesses a greater tendency to create messy or uneven coatings, with a higher potential for leaving streaks or uneven marks. Whether it is due to its consistency, composition, or inherent properties, something that is smearier will require more careful handling or specialized techniques to achieve a neater or more uniform application.
The word can also be metaphorically applied to describe a situation or condition that is more prone to causing damage or harm to someone's reputation. If a smear campaign or allegations against someone intensify, it can be said that the situation is becoming smearier, implying that the false or derogatory claims are increasing in severity or intensity.
Overall, smearier is a comparative adjective that refers to something characterized by a messier, more haphazard spreading or an increased potential for spreading damaging allegations.
"Smearier" is formed from the root word "smear" by adding the suffix "-ier". Let's briefly discuss the etymology of both parts:
1. Smear:
The word "smear" originated from the Old English word "smerian" or "smyrian", meaning "to spread or anoint". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "smerwjanan" which shares the same meaning. The use of "smear" to describe staining or spreading something in a messy or dirty way emerged in the late 16th century.
2. -ier:
The suffix "-ier" is derived from the Old French "-ier", which evolved from the Latin "-arius". It is commonly used in English to form comparative adjectives indicating a higher degree of the quality described by the base word.
