Words / C2

RED-uh-l-uh-nt/ˈredələnt/

Redolent means smelling strongly of something, or strongly suggestive of a time, place, or quality (formal / literary): redolent of polish, redolent of the 1990s. Smelly is everyday and cruder; evocative is the close twin of the figurative sense. Olfactory (already in the dictionary) is of the sense of smell, not of the odour itself. Fragrant is pleasantly scented. Do not take a polished corridor for a clear exit.

Meaning

Smelling strongly of something; strongly suggestive of a time, place, or quality (formal / literary).

Examples

• “Air redolent of polish does not mean the exit is clear.”
• “Smell is everyday. Evocative is the memory cousin. Olfactory is the faculty (already in C2). Fragrant is pleasant scent — and a mix-up with flagrant (already in C2). Atmosphere is design. A chained door is a finding. Unlock first; then enjoy the beeswax.”

Good to know

Smelling of; suggestive of (formal). Everyday: smelling of / reminiscent. Close: evocative. Contrast: olfactory (the sense — already in C2). Mix-up nearby: flagrant (blatantly wrong — already in C2). Polish ≠ a clear exit.

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