Faint-smelling

Describing something that emits a barely perceptible odor, often delicate, subtle, or weak. It indicates a presence of a scent, however, the intensity is minimal, barely registering on the senses. The scent might be pleasant or unpleasant, but its defining characteristic is its lack of strength. Often, the context implies a subtle, understated aroma, requiring close proximity or concentrated attention to detect it. This could involve flowers, cleaning products, or even decaying matter.

Faint-smelling meaning with examples

• The antique rose bush in the garden emitted a faint-smelling fragrance, just enough to hint at its blooms' presence. Standing nearby, I inhaled deeply to catch the delicate, sweet aroma. The gentle scent barely lingered in the air, carried off by the light breeze. It was a pleasure to have its calm presence nearby.
• After the rain, the damp earth produced a faint-smelling, earthy aroma that was both soothing and a touch melancholic. It was so subtle I almost missed it as I took my morning walk through the local park. This understated scent reminded me of the freshness of nature after a shower of rain.
• The old cedar chest exuded a faint-smelling scent of aged wood and mothballs, barely noticeable unless one opened it directly. The scent, a relic of bygone eras, brought a quiet nostalgia, echoing memories of past lives in the old house and it's inhabitants.
• In the laboratory, the vial held a faint-smelling chemical. Its scent, however, was a testament to its strong effects. Even though the scent itself was very light, the scientist knew of the dangers it contained. This aroma prompted careful handling and thorough ventilation.
• Cleaning the kitchen, a faint-smelling citrus scent from the cleaner lingered, creating an air of cleanliness. The smell made me feel like everything in the house was sparkling. Although delicate, the aroma managed to freshen the whole area, creating a welcoming ambiance as a result.