aromatic

/ɛrəˈmæɾɪk/

/ɛrəˈmætɪk/

Other forms: aromatically

If something is aromatic, it smells good. Think fragrant roses, savory spices, freshly cut grass, or spring rain.

Aromatic derives from the Greek aromatikos, meaning “sweet spice.” It is related to aroma, but there is one key difference between the meanings of the two words. While aromatic means "having a pleasant smell," aroma means just "smell" — that smell could be pleasant, or it could be the nastiest, mustiest, old-cheesiest smell on the planet. Say either "What is that pleasant aroma wafting from your kitchen?" or "What is that aromatic smell?" and you'll be saying essentially the same thing.

Definitions of aromatic

1. adjective

   having a strong pleasant odor
   synonyms: redolent

   fragrant

   pleasant-smelling
2. adjective

   (chemistry) of or relating to or containing one or more benzene rings
   “an aromatic organic compound”