redolent

the word 'redolent' originates from the latin 'redolent-', the present participle of 'redolere', which means 'to emit a smell'. this verb itself is a compound of the intensive prefix 're-' and the verb 'olere', meaning 'to smell'. the core semantic thread from its latin origin is the act of giving off a scent, either literally or figuratively. over time, the english usage evolved to encompass not only a literal fragrant or pungent odor but also a powerful metaphorical sense, where something can be evocative or strongly suggestive of a place, memory, or quality, thus 'smelling again' of that association.

Structure: re (again) + dolent (smelling) re- (latin prefix meaning 'again'); dolent (from latin 'olent-', present participle stem of 'olere' meaning 'to smell', with the 'd' likely from an assimilated form).