Smell, aroma or stench
Smell
Neutral: any odour, good or bad.
What is that smell coming from the kitchen?
Aroma
Positive: a pleasant smell, often of food or drink.
The aroma of fresh filter coffee filled the house.
Stench
Negative: a very strong, bad smell.
The stench from the blocked drain made us walk faster.
Remember: Aroma invites you in; stench pushes you away; smell sits in the middle.