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Scent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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scent

[sent ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

smell

A distinctive smell, especially one that is pleasant.

Synonyms

aroma, fragrance, perfume.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scent

Use 'scent' when referring to any smell, often neutral, which can be pleasant or unpleasant. It can be used for both natural and artificial smells.

  • I caught the strong scent of coffee as I walked past the café.
  • The scent of the flowers filled the room.
fragrance

'Fragrance' typically describes a pleasant and light smell, and is often used for natural smells such as those from flowers, or for artificial scents like perfumes.

  • The garden is filled with the fragrance of blooming roses.
  • The fragrance of her perfume lingered in the air.
aroma

'Aroma' is generally used for pleasant and rich smells, often in relation to food and drink.

  • The aroma of freshly baked bread is irresistible.
  • She loved the aroma of freshly brewed tea.
perfume

'Perfume' is used specifically for describing a pleasant smell made for people to wear. It generally refers to a liquid with a strong, sweet scent.

  • She received a bottle of her favorite perfume for her birthday.
  • He wore an expensive perfume that day.

Examples of usage

  • The scent of fresh flowers filled the room.
  • She recognized the familiar scent of her mother's perfume.
  • The scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air.
Context #2 | Noun

perfume

A liquid substance that you put on your body in small amounts in order to smell pleasant.

Synonyms

aroma, fragrance, perfume.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scent

A general term for a smell, often neutral. It can refer to both pleasant and unpleasant odors.

  • The scent of fresh flowers filled the room
  • The dog followed the scent to find the missing person
fragrance

Refers specifically to a pleasant smell, commonly associated with perfumes, flowers, and other pleasant-smelling things.

  • The fragrance of roses reminded her of summer
  • She chose a fragrance that suited her personality
perfume

A term for a liquid that people put on their bodies to smell nice. It can also be used to describe the pleasant smell itself.

  • She dabbed a little perfume on her wrists before leaving
  • The room was filled with the delicate perfume of jasmine
aroma

Typically used to describe a pleasant smell, often related to food or drink.

  • The aroma of freshly brewed coffee is irresistible
  • The kitchen was filled with the aroma of baked bread

Examples of usage

  • She sprayed on some scent before going out.
  • He bought her a bottle of expensive scent for her birthday.
Context #3 | Verb

smell

To perceive or detect by or as if by the sense of smell.

Synonyms

detect, smell, sniff.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scent

Use this word when referring to a pleasant or distinct smell, often related to perfumes, flowers, or nature. It usually has a positive connotation.

  • She loves the scent of lavender in the garden
  • The new perfume has a delightful scent
smell

This is a general term that can refer to both pleasant and unpleasant odors. It is commonly used in everyday language to describe the act of sensing an odor.

  • I can smell freshly baked bread from the kitchen
  • The room smells like fresh paint
detect

This word is used in situations where you are discovering or noticing something hidden or not immediately obvious. It is more formal and often used in scientific or technical contexts.

  • The scientist was able to detect the presence of gas in the room
  • The security system can detect any movement in the house
sniff

Typically used to describe the action of inhaling air audibly through the nose to sense an odor. It can also have a neutral or informal tone. It sometimes implies curiosity or suspicion.

  • The dog sniffed around the yard, searching for something interesting
  • He sniffed the milk to see if it had gone bad

Examples of usage

  • I could scent the aroma of fresh coffee from the kitchen.
  • The dog scented the scent of its owner from afar.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that scents can trigger powerful memories, often more vivid than those triggered by visual cues.
  • The brain's olfactory bulb, responsible for processing smells, is closely connected to areas involved in emotion and memory.
  • Certain fragrances can influence mood, with scents like lavender known to promote relaxation and calm.

Biology

  • Animals, especially those like dogs, have a sense of smell that can be up to 100,000 times more sensitive than humans.
  • The sense of smell plays a crucial role in survival, helping organisms detect food, predators, and mates in their environment.
  • Humans have around 5 million olfactory receptors that allow us to differentiate between about 1 trillion scents.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, certain scents are used in rituals, such as incense in spiritual practices to create a calming atmosphere.
  • Perfume making is a celebrated art in various cultures, notably in France, where fragrances are linked to identity and fashion.
  • Certain scents, like cinnamon and pine, are often associated with specific holidays, like Christmas, enhancing festive feelings.

Pop Culture

  • In literature, the use of scent can symbolize attraction or memory, creating strong imagery in poetry and stories.
  • Movies often use scent to enhance scenes emotionally, utilizing smells to evoke nostalgia or desire among characters.
  • Popular fragrance brands frequently collaborate with celebrities, making scent a fashionable statement in contemporary culture.

Origin of 'scent'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'scentire', which means 'to perceive' or 'to feel', linking the idea of smell with awareness.
  • In Old French, it was used as 'sent', referring to a flowery or sweet smell, showing how cultures valued pleasant scents.
  • The transition to English in the late Middle Ages helped shape current meanings around feelings and emotional connections to smell.

The word 'scent' originated from the Old French word 'sentir', meaning 'to feel' or 'smell'. It was influenced by the Latin word 'sentire', which also means 'to feel'. Over time, 'scent' evolved to refer specifically to a pleasant or distinctive smell. The use of scents and perfumes has been a part of human culture for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations where fragrances were used for rituals, religious ceremonies, and personal hygiene.

See also: scented.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,006 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.