Definition

Adjective: * Having a scent or aroma that is agreeable, enjoyable, or pleasing to the sense of smell.

Usage

The adjective "pleasant-smelling" is used to describe any object, substance, or place that emits a fragrance considered nice or agreeable. It is typically placed before a noun or used after a linking verb like "is," "was," or "smells."

Examples

• The bakery was filled with pleasant-smelling bread and pastries.
• She received a bouquet of pleasant-smelling flowers.
• This soap is very pleasant-smelling.
• The air in the pine forest was fresh and pleasant-smelling.

Advanced Usage

• Comparative and Superlative Forms: While "more pleasant-smelling" and "most pleasant-smelling" are grammatically correct, they are less common. Simpler adjectives like "nicer-smelling" or descriptive phrases are often preferred.
  • This candle is more pleasant-smelling than the other one.
• Hyphenation Rule: The hyphen is used because "pleasant-smelling" is a compound adjective formed from an adverb-adjective combination ("pleasantly smelling") that is permanently joined to function as a single descriptive unit before a noun.

Variants and Related Words

• Fragrant: (adj.) Having a sweet or pleasant smell, often stronger or more distinct than "pleasant-smelling." Commonly used for flowers, perfumes, and spices.
• Aromatic: (adj.) Having a noticeable and usually pleasant smell; often used for plants, herbs, and food.
• Sweet-smelling: (adj.) Very similar in meaning to "pleasant-smelling," with a slight emphasis on a sugary or floral scent.
• Perfumed: (adj.) Scented with perfume or a sweet smell, often implying an added fragrance.
• Pleasant aroma/scent/fragrance: (noun phrases) These are noun forms used to describe the pleasant smell itself.

Synonyms

• Fragrant
• Sweet-smelling
• Aromatic
• Perfumed
• Redolent
• Savory (when referring to food)

Antonyms

• Foul-smelling
• Stinking
• Malodorous
• Putrid
• Rancid
• Pungent (can be neutral or unpleasant)

Adjective

1. having an odor that is pleasing