Reek vs. Wreak: What's the Difference?
To reek is to emit a strong, unpleasant odor, typically used in the context of smell. It's commonly associated with something that smells badly. On the other hand, to wreak is to cause or inflict, often used in the context of damage or havoc. Wreak is usually paired with the word havoc to express the act of causing chaos or destruction.
How do you use the word reek in a sentence?
The word reek is predominantly used to describe a strong unpleasant smell. It can refer to both the act of smelling bad and the odor itself. You would use reek to indicate that something has such a distinct smell that it becomes noticeable or objectionable.
Examples of reek in a sentence
- The garbage left outside in the hot sun began to reek.
- He came home from the fish market reeking of salmon.
- After the concert, the hall reeked of sweat and spilled beer.
How do you use the word wreak in a sentence?
Wreak is generally used to express the idea of causing a substantial amount of damage or destruction. It can also indicate the infliction of emotional distress. The phrase 'wreak havoc' is particularly common, meaning to cause chaos or disorder.
Examples of wreak in a sentence
- The tornado wreaked destruction across the town.
- Losing the championship game wreaked havoc on the team's morale.
- The cyber attack wreaked chaos in the global financial markets.
Reek and wreak definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation
Reek definition:
Reek refers to emitting a strong, unpleasant smell or to be pervaded with something considered to be unpleasantly stinky.
Reek parts of speech:
Reek pronunciation:
Reek is pronounced as /riːk/, with a long 'ee' sound.
Wreak definition:
Wreak is to cause a certain amount of damage or harm, often to express the action of bringing about a negative result.
Wreak parts of speech:
Wreak pronunciation:
Wreak is pronounced as /riːk/, virtually identical to reek, which can sometimes cause confusion in spoken language but rarely in written form due to their distinct meanings and context.
Reek refers to emitting a strong, unpleasant smell or to be pervaded with something considered to be unpleasantly stinky.
Reek parts of speech:
- As a verb: After jogging, their clothes reek.
- As a noun: The reek of spoiled milk was overpowering in the fridge.
Reek pronunciation:
Reek is pronounced as /riːk/, with a long 'ee' sound.
Wreak definition:
Wreak is to cause a certain amount of damage or harm, often to express the action of bringing about a negative result.
Wreak parts of speech:
- As a verb: The hackers sought to wreak havoc on the network.
- As a verb (less commonly): He is determined to wreak his revenge.
Wreak pronunciation:
Wreak is pronounced as /riːk/, virtually identical to reek, which can sometimes cause confusion in spoken language but rarely in written form due to their distinct meanings and context.
Reek vs. Wreak in a nutshell
The difference between reek and wreak is clear once you consider their context and meaning. Reek is all about bad smells and an olfactory presence, whereas wreak is about creating disorder, damage, or emotional upheaval. Despite their similar pronunciations, their usages are distinct and not interchangeable. Remembering 'reek equals stink' and 'wreak equals havoc' can help keep them straight.
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