fragrance

Where does the word "fragrance" come from? It comes from Latin fragrare, passing through French before entering English (1660s).

Fragrance’s story begins in Latin: fragrare meant “to smell sweet.” Possibly related to 'flagrare', to blaze. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in French as fragrance. English 'fragrancy' appeared in the 1570s, nearly a century before 'fragrance' itself in the 1660s. It reached English by 1660s as fragrance. Perfume makers use it for scents. Today, fragrance means a pleasant sweet smell.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient fragrare "to smell sweet", possibly related to 'flagrare', to blaze.
2. Stage 2 · French · 1500s fragrance "fragrance", English 'fragrancy' appeared in the 1570s, nearly a century before 'fragrance' itself in the 1660s.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1660s fragrance "sweet smell", perfume makers use it for scents.