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Rotten vs Moldy - What's the difference?

rotten | moldy |

As adjectives the difference between rotten and moldy

is that rotten is of perishable items, overridden with bacteria and other infectious agents while moldy is covered with mold.

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

    * ----

    moldy

    English

    Alternative forms

    * mouldy (UK)

    Adjective

    (en-adj)
  • Covered with mold.
  • Stale or musty.