perfume
Elementary (A2)
IPA: //pərˈfjuːm//
KK: /pɚˈfjum/
noun
Definition
A liquid or substance that has a pleasant smell, often made from flowers or other natural ingredients, used to make people or places smell good.
Example
She wore a lovely perfume that filled the room with a sweet scent.
Conversation
What perfume are you wearing today?
It's a new one I picked up; I really like the scent.
It smells amazing! I need to try that perfume myself.
You should! It's perfect for everyday wear.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fragrance
scent
aroma
Antonyms
stench
odor
foulness
transitive verb
Definition
To fill or spread a pleasant smell in a place or on something.
Example
She decided to perfume the room with lavender before the guests arrived.
Tense Forms
Past: perfumed
Past Participle: perfumed
Conversation
Did you notice how she perfumed the entire room with that lovely scent?
Yeah, it smells amazing! What is it?
I think it's her new perfume, it's really captivating.
Root Explanation
Perfume is derived from "per-" (meaning through) and "fumare" (meaning to smoke). The word originally referred to the act of producing a fragrant smoke, often through burning aromatic substances.
Memory Tip
Think of the idea of something that goes 'through' ('per-') the air as 'smoke' ('fumare') — that's how perfume spreads its scent.
Visually Confused Words
reperfume
unperfumed