Perfumed: meaning, definitions and examples

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perfumed

[หˆpษœหfjuหmd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

scented

Having been given a pleasant smell by adding perfume or scent.

Synonyms

aromatic, fragrant, scented.

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Word Description / Examples
perfumed

Use this when something has a noticeable, often pleasant, artificial smell typically due to added chemicals or perfumes.

  • She bought a perfumed lotion; The room had a perfumed air freshener
scented

Can be used for both natural and artificial smells. It implies that something has been given a specific smell, often through some form of treatment or addition.

  • The drawer was full of scented candles; They used scented oils to freshen the room
fragrant

Suitable for describing a pleasant natural smell, often used with flowers, fruits, and sometimes places. It generally has a positive connotation.

  • The fragrant blossoms filled the air; She wore a fragrant flower in her hair
aromatic

Best for describing natural smells that are rich and pleasant, often related to spices, herbs, flowers, or food.

  • The garden is full of aromatic herbs; Aromatic spices are crucial for this dish

Examples of usage

  • The air was filled with the perfumed scent of flowers.
  • She wore a perfumed lotion that lingered in the room.
  • The perfumed soap left her skin feeling soft and fragrant.
Context #2 | Verb

treating with perfume

To make something smell pleasantly by applying perfume or scent to it.

Synonyms

aromatize, scent, spray.

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Word Description / Examples
perfumed

Used to describe something that has been treated with perfume or has a pleasant smell due to perfume. It often refers to personal care products or luxury items.

  • She wore a perfumed lotion that made her skin smell wonderful
scent

Refers to adding a pleasant smell to something. It can also refer to the smell itself. It is commonly used in everyday language to describe both the action and the result.

  • She likes to scent her home with lavender essential oils
aromatize

Typically used in formal or technical contexts to describe the process of adding a pleasant smell to something, often in cooking or the fragrance industry.

  • Chefs often aromatize dishes with herbs and spices to enhance the flavor and scent
spray

Often used as a verb to describe the action of dispersing a liquid in the form of a fine mist. It can refer to applying perfume, air freshener, or any other scented liquid.

  • He sprayed a bit of cologne before heading out to meet his friends

Examples of usage

  • She perfumed her hair with a floral spray.
  • He perfumed the room with a diffuser.
Context #3 | Noun

scented liquid

A substance that emits a pleasant smell, typically a liquid containing perfume.

Synonyms

aroma, fragrance, scent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
perfumed

Used to describe something that has been artificially given a pleasant smell, usually through the application of a fragrance or scent. Often used for cosmetics, toiletries, and some cleaning products.

  • She wore a perfumed lotion every day.
  • The hotel room was perfumed with a gentle floral scent.
fragrance

Describes a pleasant and often delicate smell, commonly associated with perfumes, flowers, and sometimes with pleasant-smelling products. It is a more general and versatile term.

  • The fragrance of the roses was enchanting.
  • He bought a new fragrance for the summer.
scent

A general term for any smell, but often used to describe lighter and more subtle odors. Can refer to both pleasant and unpleasant smells, but in a neutral context, it usually means a nice smell.

  • The scent of lavender was calming.
  • Animals can often track their prey by scent.
aroma

Refers to a strong and pleasant smell, often associated with foods and drinks. It highlights the natural scent and is often used to evoke sensory and appetite responses.

  • The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen.
  • She enjoyed the rich aroma of the coffee.

Examples of usage

  • She dabbed some perfumed on her wrists.
  • The perfumed was a blend of floral and citrus scents.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Latin 'perfumare,' meaning 'to smoke through' or 'to pass smoke through,' relating to early scent-making processes.
  • In the 16th century, 'perfume' transitioned to refer specifically to fragrant substances used for personal scent.

Cultural Significance

  • In ancient Egypt, perfumes were incorporated into religious rituals and burial practices as offerings to gods and to scent the afterlife.
  • In many cultures, wearing perfume is a way to express identity and emotions, often tied to personal and cultural traditions.

Science of Scent

  • The sense of smell is deeply connected to memory and emotion, which is why certain scents can evoke strong feelings or memories.
  • Perfumes are created using a blend of essential oils, alcohol, and water, with the composition affecting the fragrance's longevity and intensity.

Economics

  • The global perfume industry is worth billions of dollars, showcasing the high demand for luxury and designer fragrances.
  • Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the perfume industry, with a focus on eco-friendly ingredients and packaging.

Art and Literature

  • Perfumed imagery often appears in poetry and literature, symbolizing beauty, allure, or decadence.
  • Famous literary figures, such as Marcel Proust, have explored how scents can trigger memories and shape experiences.

Translations

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,174, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.