How Do You Spell SNIFF AT?

Pronunciation: [snˈɪf at] (IPA)

The phrase "sniff at" is commonly used to describe a disdainful or dismissive reaction to something. In terms of pronunciation, "sniff" is pronounced with a consonant cluster at the end, "/snɪf/", followed by the short "a" vowel sound, "/æt/". This results in the final syllable being spelled with the two letters "at". When pronounced together, the word sounds like "/snɪf æt/" and is written as "sniff at". Despite the seemingly simple spelling, the phonetics of "sniff at" can trip up some readers and speakers who are not familiar with the common phrase.

SNIFF AT Meaning and Definition

1. "Sniff at" is a phrasal verb that has multiple meanings, depending on the context. It can be either a literal or figurative expression, and is used to describe various forms of evaluation or assessment, particularly in a disdainful or critical manner.

   In its literal sense, "sniff at" refers to the act of inhaling or smelling something in a quick, short manner. This could involve physically taking a sniff to perceive an odor, or it can suggest a figurative assessment of something. When someone sniffs at something, they may be inspecting it closely, often with a critical or skeptical attitude. This can imply a casual disregard or dismissive attitude towards the subject being evaluated.

   Figuratively, "sniff at" is also used to describe the act of expressing disdain or contempt towards someone or something. This could involve denigrating or belittling the value, significance, or quality of a person's ideas, actions, or possessions. It often suggests an air of superiority or condescension on the part of the person doing the sniffing, implying that they consider themselves above or better than that which they are evaluating.

   Overall, "sniff at" conveys an act of assessment or evaluation, typically with an air of critical or disdainful judgment. Whether literal or figurative, it denotes a casual or dismissive attitude towards the subject in question.

Common Misspellings for SNIFF AT

• aniff at
• zniff at
• xniff at
• dniff at
• eniff at
• wniff at
• sbiff at
• smiff at
• sjiff at
• shiff at
• snjff at
• snkff at
• snoff at
• sn9ff at
• sn8ff at
• snidf at
• snicf at
• snivf at
• snigf at

Etymology of SNIFF AT

The etymology of the phrase "sniff at" can be traced back to the Middle English word "sniften", which meant "to snuff or breathe through the nose". This term evolved from the Old English word "snyftan", with the same meaning. Both words can ultimately be connected to the Proto-Germanic word "*snifaną", which meant "to breathe heavily" or "to sniff". Over time, the addition of the preposition "at" gave rise to the phrase "sniff at", which means to inhale or investigate something with disdain or skepticism.

Idioms with the word SNIFF AT

• sniff at sm or sth The idiom "sniff at someone or something" means to show contempt, disdain, or disapproval towards someone or something. It implies a dismissive or derogatory attitude towards the person or thing in question.