Aroma: meaning, definitions and examples

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aroma

[əˈrəʊmə ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

delicious smell

Aroma is a pleasant, usually strong smell. It can be a fragrance or odor that is appealing to the senses.

Synonyms

fragrance, perfume, scent, smell.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
aroma	Usually associated with pleasant and appetizing smells, often related to food or beverages. The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the room The coffee shop had a strong aroma of freshly ground beans
fragrance	Typically used to describe a pleasant and often delicate smell, often related to flowers and perfumes. The garden was full of the sweet fragrance of blooming roses She chose a light fragrance for her daily wear
scent	Can be used to describe any smell, both pleasant and unpleasant, but is often used in a neutral sense. The scent of pine trees reminded him of home The detective followed the scent of the missing person's perfume
smell	A general term for any odor, good or bad. Can be neutral or negative depending on the context. There's a funny smell in the kitchen The smell of lavender was relaxing and soothing
perfume	Refers specifically to scented liquids people wear on their bodies. Often relates to personal hygiene or attractiveness. She wore a perfume that had notes of jasmine and vanilla He bought her a bottle of expensive perfume for her birthday

Examples of usage

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the room.
She closed her eyes and inhaled the sweet aroma of flowers.
The aroma of coffee wafted through the air.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

characteristic smell

Aroma can also refer to the characteristic smell of a particular substance or place.

Synonyms

fragrance, scent, smell.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
aroma	Typically associated with a pleasant and distinctive smell, usually referring to food or drink. It implies a more refined or delicate sensation compared to 'smell' or 'scent'. The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the house. The aroma of coffee in the morning is delightful.
scent	Can refer to any type of smell, both pleasant and unpleasant. However, it generally leans towards positive when used in contexts like perfumes, flowers, or identifying substances. The dog picked up the scent of the missing person. The candle left a gentle scent in the room.
smell	A general term that can describe both good and bad odors. It is the most neutral and widely used among the synonyms, not necessarily implying any particular quality. I love the smell of rain. There's a strange smell coming from the kitchen.
fragrance	Commonly used to denote a pleasant and sweet smell, often pertaining to perfumes, flowers, or scented products. It has a luxurious and positive connotation. The garden was filled with the fragrance of blooming roses. She chose a new fragrance for the special occasion.

Examples of usage

The aroma of spices in the market was overwhelming.
The aroma of the ocean greeted them as they arrived at the beach.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'aroma' comes from the Greek word 'arōma', which means 'spice' or 'sweet smell'.
It was first used in English around the 14th century, often referring to scents related to food.

Culinary Arts

Aroma plays a crucial role in our sense of taste; it can greatly influence how we enjoy food.
Certain aromas are linked to nostalgia, with familiar smells evoking memories from our childhood or special moments.

Psychology

Studies show that pleasant aromas can improve mood and increase calmness, while unpleasant ones can create stress.
Scent memory is powerful; the brain often recalls past experiences vividly when triggered by a smell.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, specific aromas are used in rituals, such as incense in religious ceremonies or cooking spices in family gatherings.
Aromatherapy uses scents from essential oils to promote health and well-being, highlighting the cultural links between aroma and wellness.

Scientific Insights

The science of smells is called olfaction; our noses have up to 5 million scent receptors that detect different aromas.
Certain aromas can affect productivity; smells like peppermint or citrus are often used in workspaces to boost focus.

Translations

Translations of the word "aroma" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aroma

🇮🇳 सुगंध

🇩🇪 Aroma

🇮🇩 aroma

🇺🇦 аромат

🇵🇱 aromat

🇯🇵 香り (kaori)

🇫🇷 arôme

🇪🇸 aroma

🇹🇷 aroma

🇰🇷 향기 (hyanggi)

🇸🇦 عطر

🇨🇿 aroma

🇸🇰 aroma

🇨🇳 香味 (xiāngwèi)

🇸🇮 aroma

🇮🇸 ilmur

🇰🇿 хош иіс

🇬🇪 არომატი

🇦🇿 aroma

🇲🇽 aroma

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,318, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
14315 epistle
14316 faithfulness
14317 enslaved
14318 aroma
14319 panting
14320 ghastly
14321 irrevocable
...