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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

incense

IHN-sehns
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Incense (noun) means a substance burned to produce a fragrant smoke, often used in religious ceremonies or to scent a room. Example: “She lit a stick of incense before starting her meditation.”

noun
1
A substance burned to produce a fragrant smoke, often used in religious ceremonies or to scent a room.
"She lit a stick of incense before starting her meditation."
verb
1
To make someone very angry.
"His dismissive comment incensed the whole room."
"Residents were incensed by the sudden rent increase."

How to use incense

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAs a noun, fragrant burning material; as a verb, to make furious.

Common mistake

The noun (a scented substance) and the verb (to enrage) are pronounced differently — stress on the first syllable for the noun, second syllable for the verb.

Common pairings
burn incense stick of incense incense someone with a remark
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Word forms

Plural
incenses
Third person singular
incenses
Past tense
incensed
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She lit a stick of _____ before starting her meditation.

Etymology

From Old French encens, "sweet-smelling substance," from Late Latin incensum, literally "something burnt." Related to incendiary and incendō, "to set on fire."

Origin: Late Latin

Synonyms

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cense thurify infuriate exasperate

Antonyms

appease pacify mollify soothe conciliate

Related words

season peace hurt calm upset pacific comfort moderate

Rhymes for incense

tense sense dense immense offense intense license expense defense nonsense condense dispense
See all rhymes for incense →

Frequently asked questions

What does “incense” mean?
The word “incense” means a substance burned to produce a fragrant smoke, often used in religious ceremonies or to scent a room. In plain terms, as a noun, fragrant burning material; as a verb, to make furious.
How do you pronounce “incense”?
“Incense” is pronounced IHN-sehns (/ˈɪnsɛns/ in IPA).
How do you use “incense” in a sentence?
Here is “incense” used in a sentence: “She lit a stick of incense before starting her meditation.”
What part of speech is “incense”?
Depending on how it is used, “incense” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “incense” come from?
The word “incense” comes from Late Latin. From Old French encens, "sweet-smelling substance," from Late Latin incensum, literally "something burnt." Related to incendiary and incendō, "to set on fire.".
Is “incense” a common word?
“Incense” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “incense” have?
“Incense” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a substance burned to produce a fragrant smoke, often used in religious ceremonies or to scent a room.

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season peace hurt calm upset pacific comfort moderate