Smeary - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Smeary describes something that is blurred, streaked, or covered with a messy or greasy substance, making it appear unclear or dirty. It often refers to surfaces, images, or textures.
Definition:
Covered or marked with smears; blurred or streaked, often due to dirt or grease.
Synonyms:
streaky, blurred, smudged, greasy, messy
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
clean, clear
Common Collocations:
smeary fingerprints, smeary glass, smeary makeup, smeary surface
Derivatives:
smeariness, smearily
Usage Tips:
Use "smeary" to describe surfaces or marks that are blurred or dirty from being touched or rubbed.
Common Phrases:
smeary mess, smeary window, smeary look
Etymology:
Derived from "smear," from Old English "smerian," meaning to anoint or rub with grease.
Examples:
- 1. The window was smeary after the rain left streaks on the glass.
- 2. Her makeup looked smeary after she wiped her eyes with a tissue.
- 3. The child’s hands were smeary with chocolate and fingerprints covered the table.
- 4. He tried to clean the mirror but only made it more smeary with the cloth.