What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
odor
Example
The odor of rotten eggs filled the room. [odor: noun]
Example
The chemical had a pungent odor that made me cough. [odor: adjective]
scent
Example
The scent of fresh flowers filled the room. [scent: noun]
Example
The soap had a lovely lavender scent. [scent: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scent is more commonly used than odor in everyday language. Scent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while odor is less common and often used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between odor and scent?
Odor is typically associated with a more formal tone, while scent is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
