Sniffier

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Demonstrating a higher tendency to express discomfort or disapproval; possessing a more offensive manner or tone; displaying an enhanced perceptiveness to scents
2. Exhibiting a stronger propensity for disdainful behavior; being more critical in a way that senses odors more acutely; showing an increased alertness or awareness of aromas or fragrances
3. Displaying a greater inclination towards being judgmental or negative; having an intensified sensitivity to different smells; showing a pronounced awareness of various scents and their implications

Etymology: This is an inflected form, so the story belongs to its base word. "Sniffier" is the comparative of "sniffy," which means inclined to sniff, whether in disdain, disapproval, or a keen sense of smell. The comparative adds the "-ier" ending to show that something is more so: a sniffier tone is more disdainful, and a sniffier dog has a keener nose. "Sniffy" is built from "sniff" plus the suffix "-y," which turns a noun or verb into an adjective meaning characterised by or inclined to that thing. "Sniff" goes back to Middle English, where it was an imitative word for drawing air audibly through the nose, a sound-based origin that suits its loud, snorting character. The "-y" suffix is an ordinary English ending, so the adjective needed no special coinage: once people sniffed in disapproval, a sniffy manner was a natural way to describe it.

Synonyms: scentier

Antonyms: odorless