Mustiness

Pronunciation: /ˈmʌstɪnɪs/

Definitions of mustiness

noun a stale, moldy, or damp smell or condition

Example Sentences

A1 The old book had a mustiness smell to it.

A2 I opened the attic door and was hit with a wave of mustiness.

B1 The mustiness of the basement was overwhelming, but we had to clean it out.

B2 The mustiness of the room indicated that it hadn't been aired out in years.

C1 The mustiness of the antique shop added to its charm and authenticity.

C2 The mustiness of the old library books brought back memories of my childhood.

Examples of mustiness in a Sentence

formal The old library was filled with the mustiness of ancient books.

informal I can't stand the mustiness in this basement, we need to air it out.

slang The mustiness in this room is giving me the heebie-jeebies.

figurative The mustiness of their relationship was evident in the way they barely spoke to each other.

Grammatical Forms of mustiness

• past tense: mustied
• plural: mustinesses
• comparative: more musty
• superlative: most musty
• present tense: mustiness
• future tense: will mustiness
• perfect tense: has mustied
• continuous tense: is mustying
• singular: mustiness
• positive degree: musty
• infinitive: to mustify
• gerund: mustying
• participle: mustied

Origin and Evolution of mustiness

First Known Use: 1550 year

Language of Origin: Middle English and Old French

Story behind the word: The word 'mustiness' is believed to have originated from the Middle English word 'musti', which itself came from the Old French word 'moiste' meaning damp or moldy.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe a damp or moldy smell, 'mustiness' has evolved to also refer to something old-fashioned or outdated.