Definition of redolence

"Redolence" originates from the Latin word "redolere," meaning "to smell, to give off an odor." This word, in turn, comes from the prefix "re-" (meaning "again" or "back") and the verb "dolere," meaning "to grieve, to suffer." While the connection might seem obscure, the original sense of "redolere" likely referred to the strong, often pungent odor associated with grief or suffering, like the smell of a funeral pyre. Over time, the word evolved to encompass any strong, pleasant aroma.