Redolent

Redolent describes something that is strongly suggestive or evocative of something else, often a smell. It conjures up vivid memories or feelings through a particular scent or quality, acting as a sensory trigger. While primarily associated with smells, it can be used metaphorically to describe anything that stirs associations or brings a certain atmosphere to mind. The term implies a pleasant or nostalgic quality, though not necessarily in a strictly positive sense; it simply evokes something known or familiar. The intensity of the evocation can vary from a subtle hint to a powerful and all-consuming association.

Redolent meaning with examples

• The bakery was redolent with the aroma of freshly baked bread and cinnamon rolls, instantly transporting her back to her grandmother's kitchen and childhood mornings. The rich scent of vanilla and yeast filled the air.
• The antique shop, filled with dusty furniture and aged books, was redolent of history, each item whispering tales of bygone eras and forgotten lives. The musk of aged paper and wood hung heavy in the air.
• The poem, filled with imagery of autumn leaves and crackling fires, was redolent of melancholy and loss, evoking the bittersweet feeling of change and remembrance. The words painted a vivid emotional landscape.
• The old leather-bound journal, carefully opened, was redolent of the writer's perfume, their handwriting, and the years that had passed since last it was touched, a tangible connection to a long-lost friend.
• Entering the spice market, the air was redolent with a complex blend of exotic fragrances – cloves, cardamom, and saffron – a sensory overload that hinted at faraway lands and culinary adventures. The combined scents mingled in a fragrant haze.