smooth smell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smooth smell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a pleasant, gentle, or subtle fragrance that is not overpowering. Example: "The smooth smell of lavender filled the room, creating a calming atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Vanilla extract has a potent, yet smooth smell to the fish, and most fish slam it out of pure curiosity.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Diptyque candles have both smoothing smells and a beautiful look that can easily be incorporated throughout the home to provide the full benefit of the fragrance.

HuffPost

When we eat, our senses come alive: our eyes and ears anticipate, our sense of touch searches out cold, hot, rough or smooth, our smell and taste combine to give us flavour.

The Guardian

In the train, on the way to Andrew's birthday party, we poured out our hearts about the smooth, dry smell of the air in the hills around Jerusalem, about the damp of the coastal plain, about the weariness of the noon hours in the July Hamsins.

The Guardian - Books

His red jowly face was smooth and smelled of lime.

The New Yorker

The journey is quick, smooth, and smells of duty-free.

Vice

The journey is quick, smooth and smells of duty free.

Vice

My favourite of the posher, gift-appropriate scrubs is Ren's Guérande salt body balm (£23, 330ml), which smooths thoroughly, smells divine and melts fully into bath water for a decadent, skin-softening treat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I would fondle them for hours, smooth them and smell them..

The New Yorker

"I would fondle them for hours, smooth them and smell them...

The New Yorker

One author considers Cantharellus lateritius to likely represent a species complex, including "all the chanterelles with a completely smooth hymenophore, sweet smell, and clamped hyphae".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a fragrance, use "smooth smell" to evoke a sense of calmness and balance, suggesting a scent that is not sharp or overwhelming.

Common error

Avoid using "smooth smell" to describe scents that are inherently pungent or sharp. For instance, describing the scent of freshly cut grass or strong spices as a "smooth smell" would be inaccurate and misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smooth smell" functions primarily as a descriptive element, combining an adjective ("smooth") with a noun ("smell") to characterize a particular type of scent. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms the phrase's correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smooth smell" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, as validated by Ludwig AI. It describes a scent that is gentle, balanced, and lacks harshness, often evoking a sense of calmness. While not exceedingly common, it appears in various contexts, including news media, wikis, and scientific publications. Alternatives like "subtle fragrance", "gentle aroma", and "soft scent" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using "smooth smell", ensure it aligns with the scent being described, avoiding its application to inherently pungent or sharp aromas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subtle fragrance

Replaces "smooth smell" with a more descriptive term for a pleasant scent.

gentle aroma

Emphasizes the mild and pleasing nature of the scent.

soft scent

Highlights the delicate and non-overpowering quality of the smell.

delicate fragrance

Similar to "subtle fragrance" but with a slightly more refined connotation.

pleasant scent

A general term for an agreeable smell, lacking the nuance of "smooth".

mellow aroma

Conveys a sense of calmness and ease associated with the smell.

even fragrance

Focuses on the uniform and balanced quality of the scent.

refined scent

Implies a sophisticated and well-crafted smell.

harmonious fragrance

Suggests a balanced and pleasing combination of different scent notes.

velvety scent

Uses tactile imagery to describe a rich and luxurious smell.

FAQs

How can I use "smooth smell" in a sentence?

You can use "smooth smell" to describe a pleasant, gentle, and well-blended fragrance. For example, "The lotion had a "smooth smell" of vanilla and shea butter".

What are some alternatives to "smooth smell"?

Alternatives to "smooth smell" include "subtle fragrance", "gentle aroma", or "soft scent", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "smooth smell" a common phrase in English?

While grammatically correct, "smooth smell" is not as common as other similar phrases like "pleasant scent" or "delicate fragrance". Its usage is appropriate when specifically emphasizing the balanced and non-irritating quality of the scent.

What does it mean to describe a smell as "smooth"?

Describing a smell as "smooth" suggests that the fragrance is well-blended, balanced, and lacks any sharp or overpowering notes. It evokes a sense of calmness and gentle pleasantness.