overpowering / obnoxious
penetrant – penetranter – am penetrantesten
Loading your saved state.
overpowering
So strong or intense that it is perceived as unpleasant, especially when referring to smells and tastes, but also to sounds.
Aus der Küche kam ein penetranter Geruch nach verbranntem Öl.
An overpowering smell of burnt oil came from the kitchen.
obnoxious
Persistent and annoying because someone or something repeatedly demands attention or causes disturbance in the same way.
Der penetrante Verkäufer ließ mich trotz meiner Absage nicht in Ruhe.
The obnoxious salesperson wouldn't leave me alone despite my refusal.
| basic form | penetrant |
|---|---|
| comparative | penetranter |
| superlative | am penetrantesten |
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to penetrant.
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to penetrant.
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to penetrant.
'Penetrant' (overpowering / obnoxious) has a strongly negative connotation: It describes a perception or behavior as unpleasant and disturbing from the affected person's point of view. It is therefore particularly suitable for criticism, rather than for a neutral description of mere intensity.
Seine penetrante Art machte das Gespräch für alle anstrengend.
His obnoxious manner made the conversation exhausting for everyone.
When referring to sensory impressions, 'penetrant' (overpowering) is often used with smells and tastes, but also with sounds. Typical collocations include 'penetranter Geruch' (overpowering smell), 'penetranter Gestank' (overpowering stench), and 'penetrant süß' (overpoweringly sweet).
Der Likör schmeckt penetrant süß.
The liqueur tastes overpoweringly sweet.
When referring to people or their behavior, 'penetrant' (obnoxious) often describes repeated questioning, pressuring, or solicitation that does not leave the affected person alone. The adjective frequently describes someone's manner or demeanor.
Durch sein penetrantes Nachfragen fühlte sie sich zunehmend unter Druck gesetzt.
His persistent questioning made her feel increasingly pressured.
