Today’s Word – Noisome

Do you ever come across a word that just seems to fit perfectly with a certain situation or feeling? One such word is “noisome”. It is a word that not only sounds unpleasant, but also describes something that is offensive to the senses, especially the sense of smell. Today, we will delve into the meaning and usage of this intriguing word.

Derived from the Middle English word “noy”, meaning annoyance or harm, and the Old English word “sōm”, meaning smell, noisome paints a vivid picture of something that is not only unpleasant, but also potentially harmful to one’s well-being. It is often used to describe strong, foul odors, but can also refer to anything that causes discomfort or disgust.

As we explore the word further, let us take a moment to see if we can find more words hidden within it. Can you find 56 or more words in “noisome”? Let’s see if we can come up with a few: merit, metro, mire, miser, miso, mist, mister, mite, miter, mitre, moire, moist, moister, more, mores, most, mote, omit, and osier. Did you find more? It is always fascinating to discover how many words can be found within one seemingly simple word.

Now, let’s move on to the word for tomorrow – “mortise”. Although not as commonly used as “noisome”, “mortise” also has an interesting origin and meaning. It comes from the Latin word “morsus”, meaning bite, and refers to a cavity or hole made to receive a corresponding projection, such as a tenon, in order to form a joint. In simpler terms, it is a slot or groove in a piece of wood that is designed to fit with another piece of wood. This word may be more familiar to carpenters or those in the woodworking industry, but it is a fun word to add to your vocabulary nonetheless.

Now, let’s put these words into practice. Imagine walking down a busy street and suddenly being hit with a noisome smell. Your first instinct may be to cover your nose and quickly walk away. As you continue down the street, you come across a group of workers constructing a building. You notice that they are using a technique called mortise and tenon joint to put together the framework. The precision and skill involved in this method impresses you and you take a moment to appreciate the beauty of carpentry.

As we have seen, noisome and mortise are two words that may not be used frequently in everyday conversation, but they both have a unique and interesting history. They also remind us of the power and beauty of language. The way words are formed and their meanings can have a great impact on our perception and understanding of the world around us.

In conclusion, let’s make an effort to expand our vocabulary and discover new words like noisome and mortise. Who knows, they may just come in handy one day when we encounter a strong smell or a piece of woodworking. Let’s continue to explore the richness of the English language and use it to express ourselves in the most effective and beautiful way possible.