Odorous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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odorous

[ˈəʊdərəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

smell

Having a strong or unpleasant smell.

Synonyms

aromatic, fragrant, scented.

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Word Description / Examples
odorous

Used when referring to something having a strong smell, which can be either pleasant or unpleasant. Often implies a distinctive or impactful odor.

  • The odorous garbage needed to be taken out immediately
fragrant

Used to describe a pleasant and sweet smell, typically associated with flowers or perfumes.

  • The fragrant roses filled the room with their lovely scent
aromatic

Used when describing a pleasant, often strong smell that comes from spices, herbs, or other natural substances.

  • The aromatic spices filled the kitchen with a delightful scent
scented

Used to describe something that has been deliberately infused with a smell, usually pleasant, such as candles, lotions, or air fresheners.

  • She lit a lavender-scented candle to relax

Examples of usage

  • The odorous flowers filled the room with a sweet fragrance.
  • The garbage bins emitted an odorous stench.

Translations

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Origin of 'odorous'

The word 'odorous' originated from the Latin word 'odorosus', meaning 'smelling, fragrant'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe things with a strong or unpleasant smell.


See also: malodorous, odor.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,524, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.