Ryan
What's the difference between aroma and fragrance? What's the difference between aroma and fragrance?
Sep 17, 2017 10:58 PM
Answers · 4
1
Hi Ryan, Both words have their similarities as well as subtle differences. For a start, both words describe pleasant smells, with "fragrance" defining a sweet pleasant smell. "Fragrance" is the pleasant scent of something, but "aroma" is something that encompasses more than a pleasant smell. Something that is aromatic gives off a distinct pleasant odour and can also tantalise our taste buds. As an example, when we stand beside a batch of roasted coffee beans, we know the smell is emanating from coffee beans as we recognise its fragrance. After ordering a cuppa, we sit down and allow the smell to waft into our nostrils before taking a sip. The taste of the coffee could be acidic, smoky, fruity or floral. The smell and the delicious taste of the coffee makes up its aroma. That is why we hear people commenting on the "fragrance" of a cologne or rose but others enjoy the aroma of coffee or tea.
September 18, 2017
1
They are similar, but 'fragrance' is usually only used to refer to a sweet smell, such as those of flowers, perfumes, and sometimes some food items. Aroma tends to be used for less sweet smells. e.g. You could say that mushrooms have an earthy aroma - you would usually not refer to them as being fragrant.
September 18, 2017
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