Putrid vs. Rotten — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 7, 2024
Putrid refers to an advanced state of decay characterized by a strong, offensive smell, while rotten simply means spoiled or decomposed, often with less focus on the odor.
Difference Between Putrid and Rotten
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Putrid describes something that is decaying to the point where it emits a strong, foul odor. It often implies a state of advanced decay in organic matter, like food or flesh, and is used metaphorically to describe extreme moral corruption. Rotten, on the other hand, broadly refers to decay or spoilage without necessarily implying a strong smell.
Putrid typically evokes a sense of something highly unpleasant due to a combination of advanced decay and odor. Rotten suggests the general idea of something decomposed, ruined, or corrupted but can also apply to non-physical things like behavior or intentions.
Putrid is commonly used to describe things with a distinctly offensive odor, such as rotting meat or garbage. In contrast, rotten often applies to food past its prime or non-physical concepts like a "rotten attitude."
Putrid is more extreme and visceral, creating a sense of immediate revulsion. Rotten is more versatile and describes any state of decomposition or moral corruption.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
Advanced decay with a strong odor
Spoiled, decomposed, or corrupted
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Odor
Strongly emphasizes foul smell
Less emphasis on smell
Use
Physical decay (food, flesh)
Physical decay, metaphorical corruption
Connotation
Highly offensive, revolting
Negative, but less intense
Scope
Focused on organic matter
Can apply to non-physical concepts
Compare with Definitions
Putrid
Advanced decomposition in organic matter.
The putrid remains of the fish were discovered in the sun.
Rotten
Spoiled or decayed, often referring to food.
The fruit in the basket was rotten after being left out for weeks.
Putrid
Decayed to the point of emitting a strong, offensive odor.
The putrid smell of the rotting garbage was unbearable.
Rotten
Metaphorically describing corruption or poor behavior.
His rotten attitude made him unpopular at work.
Putrid
Metaphorically describing extreme moral corruption.
The politician's putrid behavior shocked the community.
Rotten
Physically decomposed or ruined.
The roof collapsed due to the rotten wood.
Putrid
Unpleasantly malodorous.
The putrid air from the swamp made it hard to breathe.
Rotten
Having diminished in quality or value.
The team's performance was rotten compared to last year.
Putrid
Highly offensive or revolting in appearance or condition.
The putrid stains on the walls indicated the house was long abandoned.
Rotten
Inferior or substandard in some way.
The movie had a rotten plot and lackluster acting.
Putrid
(of organic matter) decaying or rotting and emitting a fetid smell
A butcher who sold putrid meat
Rotten
Being in a state of putrefaction or decay; decomposed.
Putrid
Very unpleasant; repulsive
The cocktail is a putrid pink colour
Rotten
Having a foul odor resulting from or suggestive of decay; putrid.
Putrid
Decomposed and foul-smelling; rotten
Putrid meat.
Rotten
Made weak or unsound by rot
Rotten floorboards.
Putrid
Proceeding from, relating to, or exhibiting putrefaction
A putrid odor.
Rotten
Morally corrupt or despicable
She's rotten to the core.
Putrid
Morally rotten; corrupt
"and all the while scarlet thoughts, putrid fantasies, and no love" (Louis Auchincloss).
Rotten
Very bad; wretched
Rotten weather.
Putrid
Of extremely poor quality; atrocious or contemptible
A good play ruined by putrid acting.
Rotten
To a very great degree
The child is spoiled rotten.
Putrid
Rotting, rotten, being in a state of putrefaction. 14
Putrid flesh; putrid matter; putrid meat
Rotten
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.
Putrid
Of, relating to, or characteristic of putrefaction, especially having a bad smell, like that of rotting flesh.
Putrid smell; putrid odor
Rotten
In a state of decay.
The floors were damaged and the walls were rotten.
His mouth stank and his teeth were rotten.
Putrid
Vile, disgusting.
Rotten
Cruel, mean or immoral.
That man is a rotten father.
This rotten policy will create more injustice in this country.
Putrid
Morally corrupt
Rotten
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.
Putrid
Totally objectionable
Rotten
Of stone or rock, crumbling or friable; in a loose or disintegrated state.
Putrid
Tending to decomposition or decay; decomposed; rotten; - said of animal or vegetable matter; as, putrid flesh. See Putrefaction.
Rotten
Very drunk, intoxicated
Putrid
Indicating or proceeding from a decayed state of animal or vegetable matter; as, a putrid smell.
Rotten
To an extreme degree.
That kid is spoilt rotten.
The girls fancy him something rotten.
Putrid
Of or relating to or attended by putrefaction;
Putrid decomposition
Rotten
Having rotted; putrid; decayed; as, a rotten apple; rotten meat.
You common cry of curs! whose breath I hateAs reek of the rotten fens.
Putrid
Having undergone infection;
A purulent wound
Rotten
Not firm or trusty; unsound; defective; treacherous; unsafe; as, a rotten plank, bone, stone.
Putrid
In an advanced state of decomposition and having a foul odor;
Horrible like raw and putrid flesh
Rotten
Very bad;
A lousy play
It's a stinking world
Putrid
Offensively malodorous;
A putrid smell
Rotten
Having rotted or disintegrated; usually implies foulness;
Dead and rotten in his grave
Putrid
Morally corrupt or evil;
The putrid atmosphere of the court
Rotten
Damaged by decay; hence unsound and useless;
Rotten floor boards
Rotted beams
A decayed foundation
Common Curiosities
Is rotten always related to smell?
No, rotten does not always imply a strong smell and can refer to non-physical corruption.
What does putrid mean?
Putrid describes something that is decomposed to the point of emitting a strong, offensive smell.
What does rotten mean?
Rotten refers to something spoiled, decomposed, or corrupted, often in food or behavior.
What are examples of things described as rotten?
Examples include spoiled food, decaying wood, and morally corrupt behavior.
Does putrid always refer to organic matter?
Generally, yes, as it usually refers to decomposing organic substances with strong odors.
Does rotten suggest advanced decomposition?
Not necessarily, as it can refer to early stages of decay or general inferiority.
Is putrid more commonly used for unpleasant smells?
Yes, putrid is closely tied to a strong, offensive smell.
Is putrid more intense than rotten?
Yes, putrid implies advanced decay with a strong, offensive odor, making it more intense.
What are common things described as putrid?
Common things include rotting food, decaying animal remains, and foul-smelling environments.
Can rotten be used metaphorically?
Yes, it frequently describes morally corrupt attitudes, behavior, or situations.
Can putrid be used for metaphorical descriptions?
Yes, though less commonly, putrid can describe corruption or moral decay metaphorically.
Can putrid describe non-physical things?
Yes, putrid can metaphorically describe extreme moral corruption.
Do putrid and rotten have positive connotations?
No, both terms carry strongly negative connotations due to decay, spoilage, or corruption.
Is rotten used to describe abandoned objects?
Yes, abandoned structures or items can be described as rotten due to neglect and decay.
Is putrid only used in formal writing?
No, putrid is used in both formal and informal contexts due to its vivid descriptive quality.
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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.
