What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fragrance
Example
The fragrance of the roses filled the air. [fragrance: noun]
Example
She wore a fragrance that smelled like vanilla. [fragrance: noun]
odor
Example
The odor coming from the garbage bin was unbearable. [odor: noun]
Example
The chemical plant emitted a strong odor that could be smelled for miles. [odor: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Odor is more commonly used than fragrance in everyday language. Odor is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while fragrance is less common and is often used in specific contexts such as perfumes or scented products.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between fragrance and odor?
Fragrance is typically associated with a formal and elegant tone, while odor is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in various formality levels.