Reading Theme:
Foul Word: Definition, Usage & Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：disgustingly dirty or smelly (foul)
foul
/faʊl/
adj.
Something that is foul is very dirty, smelly, or tastes bad, making you feel disgusted.
disgustingly dirty or smelly
➕
/dɪsˈɡʌstɪŋli ˈdɜːrti ɔːr ˈsmeli/
adj.
Describes something extremely unpleasant to the senses, especially due to being dirty, having a bad smell, or tasting terrible.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'fūl', meaning 'rotten, unclean', related to Old Norse 'fúll' and Latin 'puter' (rotten).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a FOUL smell from a FOUL (rotten) egg, or a FOUL in a game that makes the crowd say 'FOWL!' (like an angry bird sound).
📖 Example
I forgot to take out the trash for a week, and now the kitchen has a foul smell.
I forgot to take out the trash for a week, and now the kitchen has a disgustingly dirty or smelly odor.
🔗 Collocations
foul odor – a very unpleasant smell
foul taste – a very bad or disgusting flavor
foul language – offensive or obscene words
🔄 Synonyms
disgusting (adj.) – causing a strong feeling of revulsion or disapproval
putrid (adj.) – decaying or rotting and emitting a fetid smell
rancid (adj.) – having a stale, sour, or unpleasant smell or taste, especially from decomposition of fats
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
foulness (n.) – the state or quality of being foul
📖 Cultural Story
Originally described physical decay. Its use in sports for rule-breaking actions emerged in the 16th century, reflecting the idea of something being 'unclean' or 'unfair' in play.
Meaning 2：very bad and stormy (foul)
foul
/faʊl/
adj.
(Especially of weather) very bad, with strong wind, rain, or storms.
very bad and stormy
➕
/ˈveri bæd ænd ˈstɔːrmi/
adj.
Used primarily to describe weather that is extremely unpleasant, characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, or storms.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The ferry service was cancelled due to the foul weather, with heavy rain and strong winds.
The ferry service was cancelled due to the very bad and stormy weather, with heavy rain and strong winds.
🔗 Collocations
foul weather – stormy, rainy, or otherwise unpleasant weather conditions
in fair weather or foul – in both good and bad conditions
🔄 Synonyms
Meaning 3：against the rules of a sport (foul)
foul
/faʊl/
adj.
(In sports) an action that is against the rules, usually unfair or dangerous.
against the rules of a sport
➕
/əˈɡenst ðə ruːlz əv ə spɔːrt/
adj.
An action in a game or sport that is illegal or unfair according to the established rules, often involving physical contact.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The basketball player was given a warning after a foul that involved pushing an opponent.
The basketball player was given a warning after an action against the rules of a sport that involved pushing an opponent.
🔗 Collocations
commit a foul – to perform an illegal action in a sport
personal foul – an illegal action involving physical contact with an opponent
foul play – unfair or illegal actions, especially in sports or to describe a suspicious death
🔄 Synonyms
infraction (n.) – a violation or infringement of a law, agreement, or set of rules
violation (n.) – the action of violating someone or something, such as a rule or law
🚫 Antonyms
fair play (n.) – respect for the rules or equal treatment of all concerned
Wordbook
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