Basic Details
Word: Smear
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To spread a substance over a surface in a messy or uneven way.
Synonyms: Spread, daub, smudge
Antonyms: Clean, wipe, clear
Idioms and Phrases
- Smear campaign: An effort to damage someones reputation by spreading false information. Example: "The politician faced a smear campaign that tried to ruin his image before the elections."
- Smear of colour: A splash or streak of colour on a surface. Example: "The artist added a smear of colour to the canvas, making it come alive."
Usage Examples
Example 1: She decided to smear peanut butter on her toast for breakfast.
Example 2: After playing outside, the children had a smear of mud on their clothes.
Example 3: The painter used a wide brush to smear bright blue paint across the canvas.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "smear" comes from the Old English word "smeoran," which means "to smear or to dirty"? It reflects how we use the word to describe making something messy!
Famous Quote
"We must beware of needless innovations, especially when guided by logic." Winston S. Churchill (though not directly about "smear," it relates to careful thought before action).
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "smear" mean?
a) To cover something neatly
b) To spread a substance in a messy way
c) To throw something away
d) To hold something tightly
Answer: b) To spread a substance in a messy way
2. Which of these is a synonym of "smear"?
a) Clean
b) Spread
c) Remove
d) Finish
Answer: b) Spread
3. Which sentence uses "smear" correctly?
a) She plans to smear the cake after it is baked.
b) The cat smeared across the room.
c) He smeared sauce on the spaghetti.
d) They will smear the animals at the zoo.
Answer: c) He smeared sauce on the spaghetti.
4. Which idiom refers to damaging someone's reputation?
a) Smear campaign
b) Smear of colour
c) On cloud nine
d) A drop in the ocean
Answer: a) Smear campaign
5. What is the opposite of "smear"?
a) Splash
b) Smudge
c) Wipe
d) Dab
Answer: c) Wipe
