fragrant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "fragrant" is correct and usable in written English.
When used as an adjective, it means having a sweet or pleasant smell. For example, "The fragrant scent of lilacs filled the garden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Start with the complex, intensely mineral white, then move on to the fragrant, rosé-like fanino.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Delicate cous cous, fragrant with toasted almonds and confit lemons, sits in a clean white bowl into which is placed lobster tails and stunning shellfish bisque.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In fact my home is quite fragrant, and the smell that's likely to waft the way of our frequent visitors is not urine but the spaghetti bolognese boiling on the cooker to feed the three kids.

The Guardian - Opinion

When the mince has separated out and is fragrant but still juicy, remove from the wok and set aside.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

3 Add the curry paste and fry, stirring constantly for 1 2 minutes, or until the colour of the paste deepens and it smells fragrant.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It also wilfully ignores the much more fragrant co-wash method (see above), and the abundance of modern brands making good shampoos with only natural ingredients and foaming agents (coconut oil being just one of them).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A freshly baked pitta bread stuffed with crisp, fragrant fried balls of a chickpea and herb mixture, hummus, tahini, salads, pickles and chilli sauce can be bought for three shekels (50p).

The Guardian

Of course, she says, "freshly picked mangoes taste so much more fragrant and aromatic", but you don't see her shunning the fruit back in Blighty as a result.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Evenings were passed swapping stories and pictures with other divers over the Thai kitchen crew's fragrant curries.

The Guardian - Travel

Order the rijsttafel (literally: rice table) and prepare for an enormous selection of marinated meats, fragrant curries and crunchy salads.

The Guardian - Travel

The menu includes Thai classics such as fishcakes fragrant with kaffir lime leaves, presented with concise attention to detail.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fragrant" to describe scents that are both pleasant and relatively strong, rather than faint or subtle aromas.

Common error

Avoid using "fragrant" when a neutral descriptor like "smell" or "odor" would be more appropriate. "Fragrant" always carries a positive connotation.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "fragrant" primarily functions as a descriptor, modifying nouns to indicate a pleasant and often strong scent. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use aligns with standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fragrant" is an adjective used to describe something with a pleasing and relatively strong scent. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and widely used, and its frequency is classified as "very common". It is most often encountered in news and media, encyclopedia entries, and scientific writing. While its semantic range includes alternatives like "aromatic" and "sweet-smelling", writers should be mindful of its inherently positive connotation and avoid using it in neutral contexts. The diverse examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its versatile application across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aromatic

Emphasizes a complex and often spicy scent.

sweet-smelling

Highlights the pleasant and sugary nature of the scent.

scented

A general term for having a distinct smell, often pleasant.

perfumed

Suggests an artificially created or enhanced scent.

redolent

Implies a strong association with a particular smell or memory.

pungent

Indicates a sharp, intense scent that may not always be pleasant.

savory

Typically used for pleasant-smelling food.

odorous

A more neutral term for having a smell, without specifying pleasantness.

ambrosial

Suggests a divine or exceptionally pleasing scent.

arousing

Implies something that causes an emotional or physical reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "fragrant" in a sentence?

You can use "fragrant" to describe something with a pleasant and often strong smell. For example, "The garden was filled with the fragrant scent of roses."

What are some alternatives to using "fragrant"?

Depending on the specific context, you can use alternatives like "aromatic", "sweet-smelling", or "scented".

Which is correct, "fragrant aroma" or "fragrant odor"?

"Fragrant aroma" is correct because "fragrant" implies a pleasant smell, while "odor" can be neutral or negative. It is better to use "pleasant smell" or "nice smell".

What's the difference between "fragrant" and "aromatic"?

"Fragrant" generally refers to a sweet or pleasing scent, while "aromatic" often implies a more complex, spicy, or herbal scent.