Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[leslie]

Hi,

Is there any expression that uses 'odor, smell' to describe the situation as I describe in the following? Could you please give me an example?

a smell that is fragrant but with a little bit annoying or poignant taste. For example, if I want to describe a piece of work of art that intends to make people feel its beauty but it turns out to be gaudy.

Thank you very much!!

Leslie
_________________
Less Is Blessed

[lotus]

Hi Leslie,

For the first part of your decription, try "pungent." For the second, try "repugnant." I don't think there is a word which describes both at the same time. Perhaps someone else may know.

By the way, those words are at the tip of your tongue.


--lotus
_________________
War does not make one great --Yoda

[leslie]

Thank you, lotus. Can I use the word 'redolence'?

Thanks again.
_________________
Less Is Blessed

[lotus]

Hi Leslie,

It looks like you've found a good word. It has some of each meaning, but perhaps without as strong a negative connotation as your original definition.

http://www.bartleby.com/61/38/R0103800.html


--lotus
_________________
War does not make one great --Yoda