odorous
This term describes a strong olfactory presence without inherently assigning a positive or negative value. While it can describe the sweet fragrance of a flower, it is frequently employed in technical or clinical contexts to describe pungent, chemical, or unpleasant smells. It focuses on the intensity and existence of the scent rather than the emotional reaction to it.
In modern usage, the word often leans toward the negative or clinical, whereas words like fragrant or aromatic are preferred for pleasant scents. Using odorous in a social context can sometimes imply a subtle criticism of someone's personal hygiene or the state of a room, making it a more neutral but potentially loaded descriptor than simply saying something smells.
Meanings
Examples
These odorous herbs are essential for a traditional stew.