Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˌærəˈmætɪk/

Definitions

1. Having a strong, pleasant smell, especially one that is spicy or sweet.

2. Relating to or characterized by aroma or fragrance.

3. Used to describe certain plants, herbs, or spices that are highly fragrant and are often used in cooking or for medicinal purposes.

Usage Examples

• "The aromatic herbs added a unique flavor to the dish."
• "She loved the aromatic scent of the flowers in the garden."
• "The room was filled with the aromatic smoke of incense."

Etymology

From Greek "arōmatikos," meaning "spicy" or "fragrant," from "arōma," meaning "spice" or "fragrance." The word "aromatic" was adopted into English in the late 16th century.

Synonyms

• Fragrant
• Aromatized
• Perfumed
• Scented
• Odorous

Antonyms

• Odorless
• Unpleasant
• Foul
• Stinky

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In different dialects of English, the word "aromatic" may be pronounced slightly differently, especially with variations in stress on syllables. Some regions might stress the second syllable more strongly, while others emphasize the first syllable.

Historical Usage

The term "aromatic" was first used in the 17th century to describe herbs, spices, and other substances that have strong, pleasant smells. Over time, it expanded to include not only scents but also any characteristic that evokes a strong, fragrant quality.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, aromatic substances like herbs and spices are not only valued for their fragrance but also for their medicinal and culinary properties. Aromatic plants are often integral to traditional remedies and rituals in places like India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

More Information

Aromatic compounds are widely used in food preparation, cosmetics, and perfumes. In the field of chemistry, "aromatic" refers to a class of molecules that include benzene and other related compounds, which are characterized by their stability and unique chemical properties. The use of aromatic substances in aromatherapy has grown significantly in modern wellness practices, where specific aromas are believed to have therapeutic effects on mood and health.