incense
Definitions
A substance burned to produce a sweet-smelling smoke, often in religious ceremonies.
香，熏香；燃烧后产生芳香烟雾的物质，常用于宗教仪式。
To make someone extremely angry.
激怒，使大怒。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom the cens variant via incendere/incensum 'to set on fire, burned.' The noun is the stuff you burn for fragrance. The verb extends the same 'set on fire' idea to emotion: to incense someone is to inflame them with anger.
Root cand still carries 12 more wordsWhy It Means This
One spelling, two lives, linked by burning. Incense the noun is literally 'the burnt thing' (incensum) — material set alight to release scent. Incense the verb takes the fire image into feelings: when you're incensed, you're 'set ablaze' with anger. The stress also splits: IN-cense (n.) vs in-CENSE (v.).
Usage Guide
Stress shifts with meaning: IN-cense (noun, the fragrant smoke) vs in-CENSE (verb, to anger). The verb is most often passive: 'be incensed by/at something.' The noun is uncountable.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The temple was filled with the smoke of burning incense.
- 2.
She lit some incense to help her relax before bed.
- 3.
His careless remark incensed the entire audience.