Words that look like one part of speech but are another

noisome

PRONUNCIATION:

(NOI-suhm)

MEANING:

adjective:
1. Offensive, especially to the sense of smell.
2. Harmful; noxious.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Middle English noy (short of annoy), via French, from Latin inodiare (to make hateful), from in- (intensive prefix) + odium (hate).

USAGE:

"Phasing out of noisome exhausts on motorbikes should be handled seriously and urgently."
ESG Response; Gibraltar Chronicle; Nov 28, 2009.

"The anti-social behaviour order, or Asbo, has helped to bring some relief to hard-pressed communities plagued by noisome neighbours and menacing yobs."
Making Justice Swifter; The Daily Telegraph (London, UK); Oct 8, 2009.

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A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

One man meets an infamous punishment for that crime which confers a diadem upon another. -Juvenal, poet (c. 60-140)