Redolent

Sunday, September 28, 2025
Word of the Day

What is Redolent?

adjective
Strongly reminiscent of or suggestive of something; fragrant.

Pronunciation

US pronunciation: /ˈrɛd.ə.lənt/
UK pronunciation: /ˈrɛd.ələnt/
Slow pronunciation: RED-uh-lent

Meaning Explained

Redolent links scent with memory — fragrant with associations.

Why This Word?

Chosen to honor the power of smell to evoke vivid memories.

Examples of Use

Here's how this word appears in everyday language:

  • The kitchen was redolent with spices.
  • Her story was redolent of ancient myths.
  • The scene was redolent of nostalgia.

Word Origins

Latin redolere “to emit a scent”

Expanded from literal fragrance to figurative resonance.

First appearance in English: 15th century

Word Family

Related forms of this word:

  • Adjective: fragrant

    The garden was fragrant with roses.

  • Adjective: evocative

    The painting was evocative of childhood.

  • Noun: aroma

    The aroma filled the room.

Around the World

How this word appears in other languages:

  • Spanish: redolente
  • French: redolent
  • German: wohlriechend / erinnernd
  • Italian: redolente
  • Portuguese: redolente

If you Already Know This Word

If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:

Fragrant

Literal smell; redolent is literal + figurative.

Evocative

Evocative recalls feelings; redolent often uses scent.

Pungent

Pungent is sharp/harsh; redolent is rich/pleasant.

Fun Facts

  • Smell is most linked to memory, making redolent powerful.
  • The word once simply meant “fragrant.”

Cultural Usage

  • Redolent is common in poetic evocation of memory.
  • Still-life paintings are redolent with symbolic scents.

Common Mistakes

Sometimes confused with “pungent”; redolent is positive or evocative.

Micro Story

The air was redolent of pine and childhood summers.