Reak vs. Reek — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Sumaia Saeed — By Munazza Shafiq — Updated on July 19, 2024
Reak is the incorrect spelling of reek. Reek means to emit a strong, unpleasant odor.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Reak or Reek
How to spell Reek?
Reak
Incorrect Spelling
Reek
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Associate the double 'e' in "reek" with the word "pee," which also has a strong smell.
Remember that "reek" contains double 'e' to signify the elongation of the unpleasant smell.
Visualize "reek" as a strong smell, with "ee" emphasized.
Think of "reek" and "seep" together; both words suggest something spreading and have double 'e'.
The word "reek" ends with "ek," not "ak" or "ik."
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How Do You Spell Reek Correctly?
Incorrect: The garbage left in the alley started to reak.
Correct: The garbage left in the alley started to reek.
Reek Definitions
To be strongly pervaded by something unpleasant or offensive.
The report reeked of bias.
To give off or emit a strong, unpleasant odor.
The kitchen reeked of burnt food after the cooking mishap.
To emit smoke, steam, or vapor.
The old engine reeked as it chugged along the tracks.
To be suggestive or reminiscent of something typically negative.
The abandoned house reeked of mystery and danger.
Smell strongly and unpleasantly; stink
The yard reeked of wet straw and horse manure
A foul smell
The reek of cattle dung
To give off a strong unpleasant odor
"Grandma, who reeks of face powder and lilac water" (Garrison Keillor).
To be pervaded by something unpleasant
"This document ... reeks of self-pity and self-deception" (Christopher Hitchens).
(intransitive) To have or give off a strong, unpleasant smell.
You reek of perfume.
Your fridge reeks of egg.
Smoke
He recovered himself and turned to peer through the reek
Chiefly British To smoke, steam, or fume.
A strong offensive odor; a stench.
Chiefly British Smoke or vapor.
A strong unpleasant smell.
(Scotland) Vapour; steam; smoke; fume.
(Ireland) A hill; a mountain.
To be evidently associated with something unpleasant.
The boss appointing his nephew as a director reeks of nepotism.
To be emitted or exhaled, emanate, as of vapour or perfume.
To emit smoke or vapour; to steam.
A rick.
Vapor; steam; smoke; fume.
As hateful to me as the reek of a limekiln.
To emit vapor, usually that which is warm and moist; to be full of fumes; to steam; to smoke; to exhale.
Few chimneys reeking you shall espy.
I found me laidIn balmy sweat, which with his beams the sunSoon dried, and on the reeking moisture fed.
The coffee rooms reeked with tobacco.
A distinctive odor that is offensively unpleasant
Have an element suggestive (of something);
His speeches smacked of racism
Smell badly and offensively;
The building reeks of smoke
Be wet with sweat or blood, as of one's face
Give off smoke, fumes, warm vapour, steam, etc.;
Marshes reeking in the sun
(informal) To be very obvious or conspicuous in a negative way.
The plan reeked of desperation.
Reek Meaning in a Sentence
The refrigerator started to reek after the power outage.
Reek Idioms & Phrases
Reek of desperation
To seem extremely desperate.
His constant calls and texts reeked of desperation.
Reek of hypocrisy
To be very obviously hypocritical.
The politician's speech reeked of hypocrisy.
Reek havoc
To cause great chaos or disruption.
The sudden policy change reeked havoc in the industry.
Reek of corruption
To show signs of corrupt activities.
The deal reeked of corruption and was quickly investigated.
Reek with something
To be full of or swamped with.
The report reeked with errors.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called reek?
It likely derives from Old English rēocan, meaning "to emit smoke".
How do we divide reek into syllables?
Reek is a single syllable word.
What is the first form of reek?
Reek.
How many syllables are in reek?
One syllable.
How is reek used in a sentence?
e.g., Your gym bag reeks after a week of not washing the clothes.
What is the singular form of reek?
Reek.
What is the root word of reek?
The root word is also "reek".
What part of speech is reek?
Verb and noun.
What is a stressed syllable in reek?
The entire word is stressed, as it is one syllable.
What is the pronunciation of reek?
Reek is pronounced as /riːk/.
What is the second form of reek?
Reeked.
What is the opposite of reek?
Freshen.
What is another term for reek?
Stench or smell.
Is reek a noun or adjective?
It can be both a noun and a verb, not an adjective.
Is reek a vowel or consonant?
The word starts with a consonant.
Is the reek term a metaphor?
It can be used metaphorically.
Is the word reek is imperative?
It can be used as an imperative in commands.
What is the verb form of reek?
Reek is the base form of the verb.
Is reek a negative or positive word?
Generally negative.
Is reek an abstract noun?
No, it is not an abstract noun.
Is reek a collective noun?
No, it is not a collective noun.
Is the word “reek” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
It can be a direct object.
Which conjunction is used with reek?
Conjunctions like "and" or "but" can be used.
What is the third form of reek?
Reeked.
Is reek an adverb?
No, it is not an adverb.
Which vowel is used before reek?
Typically, vowels like "a" are used; e.g., "a reek of smoke."
Which preposition is used with reek?
Common prepositions are "of" and "with".
Which article is used with reek?
Both "the" and "a" are commonly used.
What is the plural form of reek?
Reeks.
Is reek a countable noun?
No, it is usually uncountable.
Is the word reek Gerund?
No, it does not function as a gerund.
Which determiner is used with reek?
Determiners like "a" or "the" can be used.
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Written by
Munazza Shafiq
Edited by
Sumaia Saeed
