B2 adjective Neutral

aroma

/əˈroʊ.mə/

A distinctive, typically pleasant smell that is often associated with food, drinks, or plants. It implies a fragrance that is appetizing or refreshing rather than just a neutral odor.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The aroma of freshly ground coffee beans filled the entire kitchen.

The pleasant smell of freshly ground coffee beans filled the entire kitchen.

2

The sommelier invited the guests to appreciate the complex aroma of the vintage Bordeaux.

The wine expert invited the guests to appreciate the complex scent of the old wine.

3

I just love the aroma of your homemade cookies!

I just love the smell of your homemade cookies!

Word Family

Noun
aroma
Verb
aromatize
Adverb
aromatically
Adjective
aromatic
Related
aromatherapy
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Memory Tip

Think of 'Rome'—imagine the 'aroma' of fresh Italian pizza while walking through the streets of Rome.

Quick Quiz

The _______ of blooming jasmine in the garden was absolutely intoxicating.

Correct!

The correct answer is: aroma

Examples

1

The aroma of freshly ground coffee beans filled the entire kitchen.

everyday

The pleasant smell of freshly ground coffee beans filled the entire kitchen.

2

The sommelier invited the guests to appreciate the complex aroma of the vintage Bordeaux.

formal

The wine expert invited the guests to appreciate the complex scent of the old wine.

3

I just love the aroma of your homemade cookies!

informal

I just love the smell of your homemade cookies!

4

Research indicates that the aroma of lavender can significantly reduce cortisol levels in patients.

academic

Research shows that the scent of lavender can greatly lower stress hormones in patients.

5

The company specializes in synthetic aroma compounds for the perfume and beverage industries.

business

The company specializes in artificial scent compounds for perfume and drink businesses.

Word Family

Noun
aroma
Verb
aromatize
Adverb
aromatically
Adjective
aromatic
Related
aromatherapy

Common Collocations

rich aroma a deep and strong pleasant smell
pleasant aroma a nice smell
enticing aroma a smell that tempts or attracts someone
floral aroma a smell like flowers
pungent aroma a sharp or strong smell

Common Phrases

aroma of success

a figurative expression for the feeling or atmosphere surrounding achievement

heady aroma

a smell so strong it makes you feel slightly dizzy or intoxicated

distinctive aroma

a unique and recognizable smell

Often Confused With

aroma vs odor

Odor is a neutral or negative term for a smell, while aroma is almost always positive.

aroma vs scent

Scent is more general and can apply to animals or subtle perfumes; aroma usually applies to food, spices, or plants.

📝

Usage Notes

Aroma is specifically used to describe smells that are perceived as pleasant, especially those relating to spices, cooking, or nature. It is a more sophisticated word than 'smell'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'aroma' to describe a bad smell (like garbage), but they should use 'stench' or 'odor' instead.

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Memory Tip

Think of 'Rome'—imagine the 'aroma' of fresh Italian pizza while walking through the streets of Rome.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Greek word 'arōma', meaning 'spice' or 'fragrant herb'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: aromas (plural) Often followed by the preposition 'of' Commonly modified by adjectives describing intensity (strong, subtle, delicate)
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Cultural Context

In many Western cultures, the aroma of coffee or baked bread is used in real estate (open houses) to make a home feel more welcoming.

Quick Quiz

The _______ of blooming jasmine in the garden was absolutely intoxicating.

Correct!

The correct answer is: aroma

Related Words

pale

A1

Describes something that has very little color or is much lighter than usual. It is often used to describe a person's face when they are ill or a color that is mixed with a lot of white.

lung

A1

The lungs are two organs inside your chest that you use to breathe. They bring oxygen into your body and remove carbon dioxide when you breathe out.

tropical

A1

Relating to the hot regions of the Earth near the equator. It describes weather that is very warm and wet, or plants and animals that come from these areas.

trader

A1

A trader is a person whose job is to buy and sell goods, stocks, or other items for profit. They can work in a small local market or on large international financial exchanges.

indoor

A1

Describes something that is located, happens, or is used inside a building rather than outside. It is an adjective used before a noun to talk about activities or objects protected from the weather.

threshold

A1

A threshold is the physical area at the bottom of a doorway that you step over to enter a room or building. It also refers to the level or point at which something starts to happen or changes.

tribute

A1

A tribute is something that you say, do, or give to show your respect and admiration for someone. It is often a public act used to honor a person's life, work, or memory.

elder

A1

Used to describe a person who is older than another, especially within a family. It is also used to refer to people who have a high status or more experience because of their age.

russian

A1

Relating to Russia, its people, its language, or its culture. It describes things that come from or are connected to the largest country in the world.

southeastern

A1

Located in or coming from the direction between south and east. It describes a place, a region, or a wind that is in the corner between the bottom and the right on a map.

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