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Rotten vs Putrid - What's the difference?

rotten | putrid |

Putrid is a synonym of rotten.



As adjectives the difference between rotten and putrid

is that rotten is of perishable items, overridden with bacteria and other infectious agents while putrid is rotting, rotten, being in a state of putrefaction.

As an adverb rotten

is to an extreme degree.

rotten

English

Adjective

(en-adj)
  • Of perishable items, overridden with bacteria and other infectious agents.
  • If you leave a bin unattended for a few weeks, the rubbish inside will turn rotten .
  • In a state of decay.
  • The floors were damaged and the walls were rotten .
    His mouth stank and his teeth were rotten .
  • Cruel, mean or immoral.
  • That man is a rotten father.
    This rotten policy will create more injustice in this country.
  • Bad or terrible.
  • Why is the weather always rotten in this city?
    It was a rotten idea to take the boat out today.
    She has the flu and feels rotten .

    Usage notes

    * Nouns to which "rotten" is often applied: wood, food, egg, meat, fruit, tomato, apple, banana, milk, vegetable, stuff, tooth, smell, person, kid, bastard, scoundrel, weather.

    Adverb

    (en adverb)
  • To an extreme degree.
  • That kid is spoilt rotten .
    The girls fancy him something rotten .

    Anagrams

    * ----

    putrid

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Rotting, rotten, being in a state of putrefaction.
  • of, relating to, or characteristic of putrefaction, especially having a bad smell, like that of rotting flesh.
  • Vile, disgusting.
  • morally corrupt
  • totally objectionable
  • Usage notes

    * Nouns to which "putrid" is often applied: smell, odor, flesh, matter, meat.

    Synonyms

    * malodorous

    See also

    * rotten * foul * odor

    Anagrams

    * ----