Fragrant

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈfreɪɡrənt/

Definitions

• 1. Having a pleasant or sweet smell.
• 2. Producing or emitting a strong and pleasant odor, often used in reference to flowers, perfumes, or natural scents.
• 3. Characterized by an aroma that is generally pleasing or attractive.

Usage Examples

• "The fragrant flowers filled the garden with their sweet scent."
• "She loved the fragrant aroma of the freshly baked bread."
• "The air was fragrant with the scent of jasmine blossoms."

Etymology

Derived from the Middle French word "fragrant," which comes from the Latin "fragrans," meaning "to smell sweetly" or "scented." The root of the word is "fragrare," which means "to smell," and it is related to the word "frag-" meaning "aromatic."

Synonyms

• Perfumed
• Aromatic
• Sweet-scented
• Odorous
• Exotic

Antonyms

• Odorless
• Stinky
• Foul
• Rancid
• Unpleasant

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In English, "fragrant" is typically pronounced as /ˈfreɪɡrənt/, but regional accents may alter the way the "a" vowel sound is pronounced, with variations such as /ˈfræɡrənt/ in some American dialects.

Historical Usage

The word "fragrant" has been used in English since the 15th century, largely in the context of flowers, perfumes, and other sweet-smelling substances. Over time, it expanded to describe not just smells but also the qualities of beauty, luxury, and refinement associated with those smells.

Cultural Nuances

Fragrance plays an important role in many cultures around the world. In Western culture, perfumes and fragrances are closely linked with fashion and personal care. In Middle Eastern culture, fragrance is essential to social hospitality and is often used in religious rituals. In India, fragrant flowers such as jasmine and rose are used in spiritual and cultural practices, and their scents are believed to bring peace and positivity.

More Information

Fragrance, as an industry, is one of the most significant global markets today. The perfume industry, worth billions of dollars annually, continues to innovate with new scent profiles, blending floral, citrus, woody, and musky notes to create appealing fragrances. Fragrance also plays a role in aromatherapy, where different scents are used to improve mental and emotional well-being. Many commercial and natural products, such as candles and oils, use fragrance to enhance their appeal and benefits.