Putrid vs. Fetid — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 26, 2024
Putrid often describes decomposed organic matter with a repulsive smell, while fetid implies an intense, unpleasant odor, typically less tied to decomposition.
Difference Between Putrid and Fetid
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Putrid specifically refers to the state of decay or rot in organic substances, characterized by a very unpleasant smell. Whereas, fetid is used more broadly to describe any offensive smell, often heavy and suffocating, but not necessarily from decay.
Putrid is commonly used in medical and biological contexts to describe tissues or substances that are in a state of decomposition. On the other hand, fetid can be applied to any situation where the air or environment is filled with an unbearable stench, regardless of its source.
The term putrid often conjures images of spoiled food or rotting flesh, evoking a sense of physical revulsion. While, fetid might be used to describe things like stagnant water or foul air, where the emphasis is more on the quality of the smell rather than its origin.
In terms of etymology, putrid comes from the Latin "putridus," meaning rotten, suggesting a natural process of decay. Whereas, fetid comes from the Latin "fetidus," simply meaning stinking, which can apply to a wider range of odorous situations.
While both adjectives describe unpleasant smells, putrid is often associated with a loss of integrity in the substance, implying decomposition and organic breakdown. In contrast, fetid might be used for smells that are inherently pungent and overpowering without any implications of decomposition.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Relating to decay or decomposition
Having an offensive odor
Common Usage
Decayed organic matter
Intense, unpleasant odors
Context
Often biological or medical
Broader, including environmental situations
Implication
Indicates decomposition
Indicates strong, unpleasant odor
Etymology
Latin "putridus" (rotten)
Latin "fetidus" (stinking)
Compare with Definitions
Putrid
Medical: Indicative of infection or decay.
The wound emitted a putrid odor, signaling infection.
Fetid
Relating to something that smells very bad.
Fetid breath can be a sign of dental issues.
Putrid
Very unpleasant; repulsive.
The putrid remarks made her want to leave the room.
Fetid
Used to describe oppressive, stifling atmospheres.
The fetid atmosphere of the crowded room was overwhelming.
Putrid
Relating to decomposition or decay.
The putrid smell of the garbage was unbearable.
Fetid
Having a heavy, offensive smell.
The fetid water in the pond deterred swimmers.
Putrid
Morally corrupt or totally objectionable.
He faced putrid corruption within the organization.
Fetid
Associated with polluted or stagnant environments.
The fetid swamp was home to many insects.
Putrid
Of very low quality; rotten.
The script for the movie was absolutely putrid.
Fetid
Smelling extremely unpleasant.
The fetid air in the old basement made it hard to breathe.
Putrid
(of organic matter) decaying or rotting and emitting a fetid smell
A butcher who sold putrid meat
Fetid
Smelling extremely unpleasant
The fetid water of the marsh
Putrid
Very unpleasant; repulsive
The cocktail is a putrid pink colour
Fetid
Having an offensive odor.
Putrid
Decomposed and foul-smelling; rotten
Putrid meat.
Fetid
Foul-smelling, stinking.
I caught the fetid odor of dirty socks.
Putrid
Proceeding from, relating to, or exhibiting putrefaction
A putrid odor.
Fetid
(rare) The foul-smelling asafoetida plant, or its extracts.
Putrid
Morally rotten; corrupt
"and all the while scarlet thoughts, putrid fantasies, and no love" (Louis Auchincloss).
Fetid
Having an offensive smell; stinking.
Most putrefactions . . . smell either fetid or moldy.
Putrid
Of extremely poor quality; atrocious or contemptible
A good play ruined by putrid acting.
Fetid
Offensively malodorous;
A putrid smell
Putrid
Rotting, rotten, being in a state of putrefaction. 14
Putrid flesh; putrid matter; putrid meat
Putrid
Of, relating to, or characteristic of putrefaction, especially having a bad smell, like that of rotting flesh.
Putrid smell; putrid odor
Putrid
Vile, disgusting.
Putrid
Morally corrupt
Putrid
Totally objectionable
Putrid
Tending to decomposition or decay; decomposed; rotten; - said of animal or vegetable matter; as, putrid flesh. See Putrefaction.
Putrid
Indicating or proceeding from a decayed state of animal or vegetable matter; as, a putrid smell.
Putrid
Of or relating to or attended by putrefaction;
Putrid decomposition
Putrid
Having undergone infection;
A purulent wound
Putrid
In an advanced state of decomposition and having a foul odor;
Horrible like raw and putrid flesh
Putrid
Offensively malodorous;
A putrid smell
Putrid
Morally corrupt or evil;
The putrid atmosphere of the court
Common Curiosities
Can the term putrid be applied to intangible concepts?
Yes, putrid can metaphorically describe intangible concepts like ideas or behaviors that are considered morally reprehensible or corrupt.
What types of literature or media might use the word fetid?
The word fetid is often found in horror, thriller, and mystery genres to create an atmosphere of discomfort or dread.
Are there specific industries or professions where the term fetid is used more frequently?
Yes, industries related to waste management, sewage treatment, and sometimes veterinary science might use "fetid" to describe particularly unpleasant odors.
Are putrid and fetid used differently in scientific contexts?
In scientific contexts, putrid is more likely used when discussing biological decomposition, while fetid might be used more generally for any malodorous conditions.
Can weather conditions influence the use of the terms putrid and fetid?
Yes, hot or humid weather can intensify odors, making smells more likely to be described as putrid or fetid.
How do animals react to putrid and fetid smells?
Animals, like humans, generally avoid putrid or fetid smells, although scavengers may be attracted to putrid smells as indicators of potential food sources.
Can the term fetid be used to describe sounds or visuals?
Unlike putrid, fetid is not typically used to describe sounds or visuals, as it specifically relates to the sense of smell.
What environments are typically described as putrid?
Environments such as compost heaps, landfills, or places where organic matter is decaying are typically described as putrid.
Is fetid a medical term?
While not strictly a medical term, fetid can be used in medical contexts to describe symptoms like fetid breath, indicating a possible underlying health issue.
What are some synonyms for putrid and fetid that can convey a similar sense of smell?
Synonyms for putrid include rotten, decayed, and foul, while synonyms for fetid include stinky, rank, and malodorous.
Is there a psychological impact of being exposed to putrid or fetid conditions?
Yes, prolonged exposure to putrid or fetid conditions can lead to discomfort, nausea, or even psychological distress due to the association with decay and uncleanliness.
How do the terms putrid and fetid compare in terms of severity of smell?
Putrid usually implies a stronger, more biologically decayed smell, whereas fetid refers broadly to any intense, unpleasant smell.
Can cleaning products be described as putrid or fetid?
Normally, cleaning products wouldn’t be described this way unless they have spoiled or reacted chemically in a way that produces an offensive odor.
How might one medically address fetid odors in a clinical setting?
Medically, fetid odors are often addressed by treating the underlying cause, such as dental cleaning for fetid breath or wound care for infections emitting a putrid smell.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
