Etymology Map
Back to all words

Scent

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a distinctive smell

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

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

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.