What is fragrance? Pronunciation and usage in English

fragrance means . Learn how to pronounce and use fragrance through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of fragrance

fragrancenoun

/ˈfreɪɡrəns//ˈfreɪɡrəns/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "fragrance" in English. It's a tricky one because it's not always pronounced exactly as it looks. Here's a breakdown:

Common Pronunciation (Most Standard):

  • FRAH-guhns

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • FRAH: Sounds like "fray" – rhymes with "day." Focus on the "ah" sound, like in "father."
  • guhns: This is where it gets a bit tricky. It's pronounced like "guns" but with a slightly more open “u” sound. It’s often described as a soft “g” sound, like in “gem” or “game.” The “ns” sounds like “nsss.”

Breakdown of sounds:

  • F – As in "fan"
  • R – A bit rolled, but not strictly necessary for American English.
  • A – As in "father" (a long ‘a’ sound)
  • G – Like the “g” in “gem” or “game” (a softer “g”)
  • U – As in “sun” (but often a little more open)
  • N – As in "no"
  • C – As in "cue"

Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced correctly. Here are some options:

  • Practice slowing down: When you're first learning, say it slowly, focusing on each syllable.

  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker’s pronunciation.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you another example word?

Usage and examples with the word fragrance in English

Let's break down how to use the word "fragrance" effectively in English. It's a word that's often used in marketing and describing scents, so understanding its nuances is helpful.

1. Core Meaning:

  • Fragrance primarily refers to a scent or perfume – a pleasant and often complex combination of aromas. It's a general term for smells.

2. Different Ways to Use It:

  • As a Noun: This is the most common usage.

    • "The perfume has a beautiful fragrance." (Referring to the overall scent)
    • "I love the fragrance of lavender." (Referring to the scent of lavender)
    • "The candle had a strong fragrance of vanilla." (Describing the scent of a candle)
    • "She sprayed a fragrance on her dress before the party." (Referring to the perfume used)

  • As a Verb (Less Common - more formal): “Fragrance” can also be used as a verb to mean “to scent” or “to perfume.” This is less frequently used in everyday conversation.

    • "The company fragrances its fabrics with essential oils." (Meaning they scent the fabrics)
    • "The designer fragrances his collection with a unique blend of aromas." (Meaning he perfumes his collection)

3. Key Distinctions and Related Words:

  • Scent: A more general term for any smell. Fragrance is typically a developed scent, often a complex one with multiple notes.

    • "The scent of rain always reminds me of my childhood." (A simple smell)
    • "The fragrance of the roses was intoxicating." (A complex and pleasing scent)

  • Perfume: A specific type of fragrance – a concentrated scent applied to the skin.

    • "She wore a delicate perfume to the wedding."

  • Aroma: Often used for natural scents, especially associated with food.

    • "The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen."

  • Note (in fragrance): A distinct element within a fragrance. Fragrances are often described using notes like:

    • Top notes (the first scents you smell) – Lemon, citrus
    • Middle notes (the heart of the fragrance) – Rose, jasmine, lavender
    • Base notes (the scents that linger) – Sandalwood, vanilla, musk

4. Describing Fragrances (Using Adjectives):

You can use adjectives to describe fragrances, creating more vivid language:

  • Pleasant: "The fragrance is pleasant and calming."
  • Intense: “The fragrance of the incense was incredibly intense.”
  • Subtle: “The fragrance was subtle, almost undetectable.”
  • Sweet: “The fragrance was sweet with notes of caramel.”
  • Floral: "A floral fragrance with jasmine and rose.”
  • Woody: “The fragrance had a woody, earthy scent.”
  • Spicy: “A spicy fragrance with hints of cinnamon and cloves."
  • Fresh: “A fresh fragrance reminiscent of ocean air.”

5. Examples in Sentences:

  • "The boutique was filled with the captivating fragrance of lilies and sandalwood."
  • “She chose a light, citrus fragrance for the summer."
  • "The soap had a luxurious fragrance, leaving my skin feeling soft."
  • "The bakery’s fragrance drew customers in from the street."

Resources for Further Exploration:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "fragrance" in a specific context (e.g., describing a product, a place, a memory)?
  • Explain how fragrances are categorized?
  • Discuss the history of perfume and fragrance?

Synonyms for the word fragrance

Practice with vocabulary fragrance

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The subtle ______ of jasmine filled the evening air, creating a serene atmosphere.
  2. After the rain, a distinct earthy ______ rose from the damp soil, signaling new growth.
  3. The new line of organic soaps boasts a delicate citrus ______, derived purely from essential oils.
  4. Despite extensive cleaning, a persistent mildew ______ lingered in the old basement, indicating a deeper moisture issue.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

Select all that apply for each question.

  1. Which of the following words could describe the appealing smell of a high-quality perfume? a) Odor b) Stench c) Fragrance d) Scent

  2. Many luxury skincare products are developed to have a subtle, pleasing ______, enhancing the user experience. a) odor b) stench c) fragrance d) reek

  3. The coffee shop's strong ______ of freshly roasted beans was irresistible to passersby. a) fragrance b) stench c) aroma d) perfume

  4. Which terms are appropriate to describe the delightful smell of a field of blooming lavender? a) Odor b) Fragrance c) Scent d) Malodor

  5. During the scientific experiment, researchers noted a distinct ______ emanating from the chemical reaction, which required immediate ventilation. a) fragrance b) aroma c) odor d) perfume

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The beautiful flowers in the garden had a very pleasant smell.

    • Rewrite the sentence, using "fragrance."

  2. After the chef added the special spices, the dish smelled wonderfully.

    • Rewrite the sentence, but do not use "fragrance" or its related forms.

  3. The marketing team wanted a product that would smell appealing to customers.

    • Rewrite the sentence, using a word form related to "fragrance."

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. fragrance
  2. scent
  3. fragrance
  4. odor

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Fragrance, d) Scent
  2. c) fragrance
  3. c) aroma
  4. b) Fragrance, c) Scent
  5. c) odor

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The garden was filled with the pleasant fragrance of beautiful flowers.
  2. After the chef added the special spices, a wonderful aroma emanated from the dish.
  3. The marketing team wanted a fragrant product to appeal to customers.

Comment ()