What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
piney
Example
The air was filled with the piney scent of the forest. [piney: adjective]
Example
The beer had a piney taste that reminded me of the outdoors. [piney: adjective]
resinous
Example
The candle had a resinous smell that reminded me of a forest after the rain. [resinous: adjective]
Example
The wine had a resinous taste that lingered on my tongue. [resinous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Piney is a more common word than resinous in everyday language, especially when describing fragrances. Resinous is more commonly used in the context of describing flavors, such as in wine or food.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between piney and resinous?
Both piney and resinous are relatively informal words, but resinous may be slightly more formal due to its association with essential oils and perfumes.