SNIFF Meaning and
Definition
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Sniff:
Sniff can be used as both a verb and a noun, but in either case, it refers to the act of inhaling or smelling something audibly and with a quick intake of breath.
As a verb, to sniff means to draw in air audibly through the nose in order to perceive and detect scents or odors. It is often performed by individuals when they want to identify or recognize a particular smell. Sniffing can be done gently or deeply, depending on the intensity of the scent one wants to perceive.
The word sniff can also be used to describe the act of audibly drawing in air through the nose in a contemptuous or disapproving manner. This expression of disapproval is often accompanied by a slight exhalation through the mouth, making it clear that the individual does not approve of or find something pleasant.
As a noun, a sniff refers to the sound produced when air is drawn in audibly through the nose. This sound can be soft or loud, depending on the force and speed with which air is inhaled.
Sniffing is a common behavior in animals and humans, serving as a mechanism to gather information about the environment, identify scents, express emotions, or even detect potential dangers.
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• To draw air audibly up the nose; to scent or smell.
• Perception by the nose.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SNIFF *
* 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 SNIFF
Etymology of SNIFF
The word "sniff" originated from Middle English "sniffen", which is a variant of the Old English word "fnifian". This Old English term is believed to be imitative in nature, mimicking the sound produced when air is inhaled sharply through the nose. Over time, "fnifian" evolved into "sniffen", and eventually became the word we know as "sniff" today.
Idioms with the word SNIFF
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have a sniff around
The idiom "have a sniff around" means to explore or investigate a place or situation with curiosity, often in search of information or to familiarize oneself with the surroundings. It can also refer to examining something carefully or meticulously.
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have a (good) sniff around
The idiom "have a (good) sniff around" means to carefully explore or investigate a place or situation to gather information, often indicating a thorough examination with attention to minute details. It typically refers to a deliberate and curious exploration to gain knowledge or insights.
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sniff at sm or sth
The idiom "sniff at someone or something" means to show disdain, skepticism, or disapproval towards someone or something. It implies a dismissive attitude or a lack of appreciation or interest.
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sniff around
To "sniff around" is an idiomatic expression that means to investigate or explore something with curiosity or suspicion. It often refers to searching for information, clues, or evidence without being too obvious or upfront. It implies a subtle or discreet investigation, as if one were following a scent or sniffing out a potential discovery.
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sniff out sb/sth
The idiom "sniff out sb/sth" means to detect or discover someone or something, usually by following clues or using one's instinct or intuition. It refers to the act of finding or uncovering something hidden or elusive.
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sniff sm or sth out
The idiom "sniff someone or something out" means to discover, detect, or locate someone or something by using one's senses, often referring to a keen sense of smell. It can be used metaphorically to indicate uncovering or finding someone or something through careful observation or investigation.
Similar spelling words for SNIFF
Conjugate verb Sniff
CONDITIONAL
I
would sniff
you
would sniff
he/she/it
would sniff
we
would sniff
they
would sniff
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be sniffing
you
would be sniffing
he/she/it
would be sniffing
we
would be sniffing
they
would be sniffing
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have sniff
you
would have sniff
he/she/it
would have sniff
we
would have sniff
they
would have sniff
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been sniffing
you
would have been sniffing
he/she/it
would have been sniffing
we
would have been sniffing
they
would have been sniffing
FUTURE
I
will sniff
you
will sniff
he/she/it
will sniff
we
will sniff
they
will sniff
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be sniffing
you
will be sniffing
he/she/it
will be sniffing
we
will be sniffing
they
will be sniffing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have sniffed
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will have sniffed
he/she/it
will have sniffed
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will have sniffed
they
will have sniffed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been sniffing
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will have been sniffing
he/she/it
will have been sniffing
we
will have been sniffing
they
will have been sniffing
IMPERATIVE
you
sniff
we
let´s sniff
to sniff
PAST
I
sniffed
you
sniffed
he/she/it
sniffed
we
sniffed
they
sniffed
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was sniffing
you
were sniffing
he/she/it
was sniffing
we
were sniffing
they
were sniffing
PAST PARTICIPLE
sniffed
PAST PERFECT
I
had sniffed
you
had sniffed
he/she/it
had sniffed
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had sniffed
they
had sniffed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been sniffing
you
had been sniffing
he/she/it
had been sniffing
we
had been sniffing
they
had been sniffing
PRESENT
I
sniff
you
sniff
he/she/it
sniffs
we
sniff
they
sniff
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am sniffing
you
are sniffing
he/she/it
is sniffing
we
are sniffing
they
are sniffing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
sniffing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have sniffed
you
have sniffed
he/she/it
has sniffed
we
have sniffed
they
have sniffed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been sniffing
you
have been sniffing
he/she/it
has been sniffing
we
have been sniffing
they
have been sniffing
I
would have sniffed
we
would have sniffed
you
would have sniffed
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would have sniffed
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would have sniffed
