What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Clue vs Scent - What's the difference?

clue | scent | Synonyms |

Clue is a synonym of scent.


As nouns the difference between clue and scent

is that clue is a strand of yarn etc as used to guide one through a labyrinth; something which points the way, a guide while scent is a distinctive odour or smell.

As verbs the difference between clue and scent

is that clue is to provide with a clue while scent is to detect the scent of.

clue

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • A strand of yarn etc. as used to guide one through a labyrinth; something which points the way, a guide.
  • * 1897 , Henry James, What Maisie Knew :
    • she had even had in the past a small smug conviction that in the domestic labyrinth she always kept the clue .
  • Information which may lead one to a certain point or conclusion.
  • An object or a kind of indication which may be used as evidence.
  • (slang) Insight or understanding ("to have a clue [about]" or "to have clue". See have a clue, clue stick)

    • Synonyms

    * (information which may lead one to a certain point or conclusion) hint, indication, suggestion * (object or indication which may be used as evidence) signature

    Derived terms

    * * clueless * cluestick / clue stick * cluey * have a clue * not have a clue

    See also

    * evidence * red herring

    Verb

  • To provide with a clue.
    • The crossword compiler wasn't sure how to clue the word "should".
  • To provide someone with information which he or she lacks (often used with "in" or "up").
    • Smith, clue Jones in on what's been happening.

    Derived terms

    * clued-in * clued-up

    scent

    English

    Alternative forms

    * (obsolete)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A distinctive odour or smell.
    • the scent of flowers
    the scent of a skunk
  • An odour left by an animal that may be used for tracing.
    • The dogs lost the scent .
  • The sense of smell.
    • I believe the bloodhound has the best scent of all dogs.
  • A perfume.
  • (figuratively) Any trail or trace that can be followed to find something or someone.

    • Usage notes

    * Almost always applied to agreeable odors (fragrances ).

    Synonyms

    * fragrance * perfume * aroma * odor * smell

    Derived terms

    * scentless

    Verb

  • to detect the scent of
    • The hounds scented the fox in the woods.
  • * Shakespeare
    • Methinks I scent the morning air.
  • to impart an odour to
    • Scent the air with burning sage before you begin your meditation.
  • * Dryden
    • Balm from a silver box distilled around, / Shall all bedew the roots, and scent the sacred ground.
  • To have a smell.
  • * Holland
    • Thunderbolts do scent strongly of brimstone.
  • To hunt animals by means of the sense of smell.

    • Anagrams

    * cents