scent

Where does the word "scent" come from? It comes from Latin sentire, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Scent’s story begins in Latin: sentire meant “to feel, perceive.” The root of 'sense' and 'sentiment'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as sentir. The 'c' was added in English in the 1600s, perhaps by analogy with 'ascent'. It reached English by 1300s as scent. The 'c' was added in the 1600s. Today, scent means a distinctive smell.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient sentire "to feel, perceive", the root of 'sense' and 'sentiment'.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval sentir "to smell", the 'c' was added in English in the 1600s, perhaps by analogy with 'ascent'.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s scent "to smell", the 'c' was added in the 1600s.