redolent of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "redolent of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that strongly suggests or evokes a particular quality, feeling, or memory, often related to scents or associations. Example: "The old library was redolent of musty books and forgotten stories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The area was redolent of American history.

The New York Times - Sports

The town was wonderfully redolent of chocolate.

The Economist

Her breath was redolent of ammonia.

The New York Times

It's sweet and redolent of strawberries.

The New York Times

That flavor might be slightly redolent of étouffée.

The New York Times

Today, however, Carlyle could scarcely be less redolent of Begbie.

The Guardian - Film

It's redolent of melancholy and love, innocence and humor.

The New Yorker

Both old names were redolent of finance's history.

The Economist

Soft and piquant, it is redolent of figs.

The New York Times

They all smelled freshly laundered and redolent of the sun.

The New Yorker

Its aroma and flavor are redolent of kitchen-garden herbs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "redolent of" to add a touch of sophistication and sensory detail to your writing, particularly when describing scents, atmospheres, or emotional qualities.

Common error

Avoid using "redolent of" in purely literal or factual descriptions where a simpler term would suffice. The phrase is most effective when evoking a sense or feeling beyond the surface level.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "redolent of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, adjective, or verb. It typically describes something as having a strong, often pleasant, scent or as being evocative of a particular quality or thing. Ludwig examples show how it enriches descriptions by adding sensory detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "redolent of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe something evocative of a particular scent, feeling, or memory. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse sources, most notably in News & Media. While alternatives like "reminiscent of" and "evocative of" exist, "redolent of" adds a distinct sensory richness to writing. For best use, consider the context and avoid literal descriptions that would benefit from a more straightforward term. Employing "redolent of" skillfully enhances your writing with vivid imagery and subtle emotional undertones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reminiscent of

Indicates a similarity or likeness, often bringing something to mind.

evocative of

Focuses on the power to bring feelings, memories, or images to mind.

suggestive of

Implies a hint or indirect indication of something.

redolent with

Emphasizes being filled or permeated with a particular quality or scent.

characterized by

Highlights a distinctive trait or feature.

indicative of

Points to something as a sign or symptom.

calling to mind

Directly states the act of remembering or thinking about something.

resonant with

Suggests a deep emotional connection or shared quality.

bearing the hallmarks of

Implies distinctive characteristics or features.

imbued with

Suggests a quality that is deeply ingrained or infused.

FAQs

How can I use "redolent of" in a sentence?

"Redolent of" is used to describe something that evokes a particular smell, feeling, or memory. For example, "The air was "moist and heavy with a smell redolent of Florida and the tropics"."

What are some alternatives to "redolent of"?

Alternatives to "redolent of" include "reminiscent of", "evocative of", or "suggestive of". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "redolent of" or "redolent with"?

Both "redolent of" and "redolent with" are correct, but "redolent of" is more common. "Redolent with" emphasizes being filled with something, while "redolent of" focuses on evoking or suggesting something.

What is the difference between "redolent of" and "reminiscent of"?

"Redolent of" typically refers to a strong sensory evocation, often a smell, while "reminiscent of" indicates a more general similarity or reminder. They can sometimes be used interchangeably, but "redolent of" carries a stronger sensory connotation.