What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
foisty
Example
The basement was so foisty that I couldn't stay down there for more than a few minutes. [foisty: adjective]
Example
I found some old clothes in the attic that smelled foisty and had to be washed before wearing. [foisty: adjective]
Example
The milk had gone foisty and tasted sour, so I had to throw it away. [foisty: adjective]
musty
Example
The old library had a musty smell that reminded me of my grandparents' house. [musty: adjective]
Example
I found some old towels in the basement that smelled musty and had to be washed before using. [musty: adjective]
Example
The antique shop was filled with musty books and papers that had been stored for years. [musty: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Musty is more commonly used than foisty in everyday language. Musty is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while foisty is less common and may be considered a regional or colloquial term.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between foisty and musty?
Both foisty and musty are informal terms that are not typically used in formal writing or speech.
