Which term refers to descriptive language that appeals to the sense of smell?

Which term refers to descriptive language that appeals to the sense of smell?

• A. Imagery
• B. Mood
• C. Olfactory Imagery
• D. Tone

Answer: (C)

Descriptive language that appeals to the sense of smell is called olfactory imagery. Imagery is the broad idea of language that creates sensory experiences for the reader, and it can target any sense—sight, sound, taste, touch, or smell. When the author specifically wants you to notice a smell, they use olfactory imagery, a precise type of imagery that centers on scent. Mood refers to the atmosphere or feeling the text evokes in readers, not a sensory detail, and tone is the author’s attitude toward the subject, also not a sensory description. So the term that best fits language about smells is olfactory imagery.

Descriptive language that appeals to the sense of smell is called olfactory imagery. Imagery is the broad idea of language that creates sensory experiences for the reader, and it can target any sense—sight, sound, taste, touch, or smell. When the author specifically wants you to notice a smell, they use olfactory imagery, a precise type of imagery that centers on scent. Mood refers to the atmosphere or feeling the text evokes in readers, not a sensory detail, and tone is the author’s attitude toward the subject, also not a sensory description. So the term that best fits language about smells is olfactory imagery.