What does smokier mean?
Smokier is the comparative form of the adjective smoky. It describes something that has more smoke, soot, or smoke odor than something else, as in “the nearby road was smokier than the highway.” The word is common in discussions of air pollution, wildfire, industrial activity, indoor fireplaces, and tobacco smoke. Its comparison is generally expressed with “than,” although it may occur without it when the earlier term of the comparison is already clear. Although the basic meaning is literal, smokier can also carry figurative suggestions of a place or atmosphere being oppressive, polluted, or difficult to see through. It is straightforward and understandable in both British and American English.
adjectiveComparative of smoky: having more smoke, soot, or a stronger smell of smoke.
- Having more smoke than another person, place, or thing; emitting more smoke or containing a greater concentration of smoke.
"The valley became smokier as nearby wildfires spread."
"Smokier cities often experience more severe problems with air quality."
"The room grew smokier after the logs began to catch."
Add -ier to smoky, and ordinary pollution takes on the distinctly vivid image of something blanketed in smoke.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of smokier
Smoky derives from the noun smoke and the Old English word smōc, meaning smoke or fumes, together with the adjective-forming suffix -y. The comparative smokier preserves that derivation and adds the standard suffix -ier to indicate degree. English cognates in other Germanic languages include Dutch rook and German Rauch, although the precise family relationship reflects the broader Germanic ancestry of the word.
How smokier is actually used
This is the comparative form of the adjective smoky. It is normally followed by “than”: “smokier than yesterday.” It can also stand alone when the comparison is understood.