A Beginner's Guide to Perfume: Demystifying Fragrance Families & Terminology
Introduction
Perfume is often seen as a luxurious accessory and an important part of personal style. While it may seem like a simple choice, understanding the language of perfume is an essential part of selecting the right scent. Perfume lingo and fragrance families can be tricky to understand but once decoded, it’s much easier to find a scent that suits you.
When talking about perfume, the main terms you’ll hear are ‘notes’ and ‘fragrance families’. Notes are the individual ingredients that go into a perfume and fragrance families are the broad groups of those ingredients that define how a scent smell. This guide will cover the different types of fragrances and the lingo used to describe them.
Fragrance families are divided into six categories: floral, citrus, woody, fresh, oriental and fruity. Each of these has its own distinct scent and set of notes. For example, floral fragrances contain notes of such as jasmine and rose, while woody fragrances include notes such as sandalwood and cedarwood.
Within each of these categories there are further subdivisions, such as Floral Bouquet, Floral Woody, Floral Aquatic, Floral Fruity and Floral Extrait. Each of these sub-categories will contain different ingredients and thus smell different.
Besides knowing the types of fragrances, it is also important to understand the different terms used to describe perfume. Notes, concentration and perfume families are all key terms to know. The notes refer to the individual ingredients used in a perfume, such as lavender or orange blossom. The concentration refers to how strong the scent is and how long it lasts, and perfume families refer to the range of fragrances created by a specific brand.
The last key term to understand is the perfume pyramid. This pyramid is a visual way to describe the layers of different notes in a fragrance, from the top notes to the base notes. Top notes are the first smells you will notice, and these evaporate quickly. The middle notes are the heart of the scent and last a few hours. The base notes are the last to evaporate and tend to last up to 8 hours.
Now that we have some basic understanding of the language of perfume, let’s take a closer look at the different types of fragrances and examples of perfumes in each family.
Fragrance Families
Perfume is composed of different “notes” that combine to create a unique scent. Understanding the different fragrance families helps to better appreciate the nuances of scents and how they blend together to create something special. Fragrance families refer to the olfactory classification of perfumes based on common notes and aroma molecules that give a fragrance its overall character.
The five main fragrance families are Floral, Citrus, Woody, Fresh, and Oriental, and each of these families has its own unique characteristics.
Floral Fragrances:
Floral fragrances are the most popular type of scent and they are typically composed of delicate and romantic floral notes like jasmine, rose, or gardenia. Within the Floral family, there are five sub-families, including Floral Bouquet, Floral Woody, Floral Aquatic, Floral Fruity, and Floral Extrait. Floral Bouquet fragrances are composed of multiple floral notes blended together to create a full-bodied floral scent, while Floral Woody fragrances combine woody notes with floral notes to create a more intense and earthy scent. Floral Aquatic fragrances blend floral notes with aquatic notes, like seaweed, for a light and airy scent. Floral Fruity fragrances combine floral notes with fruity notes for a more playful scent, and Floral Extrait fragrances are the most intense type of Floral fragrance.
Citrus Fragrances:
Citrus fragrances are composed of bright and tart citrus notes like lemon, bergamot, and orange. This family is divided into two sub-families, Citrus and Citrus Aromatic. Citrus fragrances are light and bright, while Citrus Aromatic fragrances are spicier and more complex.
Woody Fragrances:
Woody fragrances are composed of woody notes like cedar, sandalwood, and vetiver. This family is divided into three sub-families, Woody Aromatic, Woody Ambery, and Woody Musky. Woody Aromatic fragrances blend woody notes with herbal and spicy notes to create a fresh and earthy scent, while Woody Ambery fragrances combine woody notes with warm and sweet amber notes for a more sensual scent. Woody Musky fragrances combine woody notes with musky notes for a warm and inviting scent.
Fresh Fragrances:
Fresh fragrances are composed of bright and invigorating notes like mint, green tea, and cucumber. This family is divided into three sub-families, Green, Aromatic Fougere, and Fresh Marine. Green fragrances blend green notes with other notes, like citrus, for a bright and refreshing scent, while Aromatic Fougere fragrances combine herbal and floral notes for a more complex scent. Fresh Marine fragrances blend citrus and aquatic notes for a refreshing scent.
Oriental Fragrances:
Oriental fragrances are composed of warm and spicy notes like vanilla, cinnamon, and patchouli. This family is divided into two sub-families, Oriental and Oriental Spicy. Oriental fragrances are heavy and sensual, while Oriental Spicy fragrances are spicier and more complex.
Fruity Fragrances:
Fruity fragrances are composed of sweet and fruity notes like apple, pear, or blackberry. This family is divided into three sub-families, Fruity, Fruity Gourmand, and Fruity Floral. Fruity fragrances are sweet and light, while Fruity Gourmand fragrances blend sweet notes with warm and creamy notes for a more intense scent. Fruity Floral fragrances combine fruity notes with floral notes for a more playful scent.
Each of these fragrance families has its own unique characteristics and can be used to create a variety of different scents. These fragrance families can be further broken down into sub-families to better understand how the different notes blend together to create a unique and complex scent. Knowing the different fragrance families can help to identify and appreciate the nuances of different perfumes and how they combine to create something special.
Floral Fragrances
When it comes to perfumes, floral fragrances are the most popular type you can find. They are composed of various natural and synthetic notes like jasmine, lily of the valley, rose, and more. Floral fragrances are soft, delicate, and feminine.
The most classic type of floral scent is the Floral Bouquet, which features heavier notes of roses, jasmine, and other natural floral essences. Depending on the composition of the fragrance, it can be a light, airy scent or a deep, rich one. Examples of Floral Bouquet perfumes include Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche and Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue.
Floral Woody is another type of floral fragrance that combines florals with wood essences. This type of scent typically features both floral and woody notes, such as sandalwood and cedarwood, which gives it a more robust, earthy scent. Examples of Floral Woody perfumes include Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium and Gucci Bloom Porfumo Di Fiori.
Floral Aquatic fragrances are a type of scent that combines floral notes with aquatic ones. They typically feature light, fresh notes such as sea salt, lotus, and water lily. Examples of Floral Aquatic perfumes include Issey Miyake L’eau d’Issey and Dior Joy by Dior.
Floral Fruity fragrances are a type of scent that combines floral notes with fruity ones. They typically feature sweet, succulent notes such as peaches, apricots, and raspberries. Examples of Floral Fruity perfumes include Marc Jacobs Daisy and Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb.
The most luxurious type of floral fragrance is Floral Extrait, which is a type of perfume with a high concentration of essential oils. These perfumes are intensely aromatic and can last for several hours. Examples of Floral Extrait perfumes include Tom Ford Black Orchid and Jo Malone Red Roses.
Citrus Fragrances
The citrus family of perfumes is one of the most beloved and widely used fragrance categories. Citrus fragrances capture the natural scent of the fruit and emphasize its zesty, vibrant aromas. They’re generally light and refreshing and offer a refreshing burst of uplifting energy.
Citrus fragrances are often used as top notes in perfume, as their scent quickly evaporates and fades away. This makes them ideal for layering with more complex and heavier base notes. Citrus fragrances may also be used as a standalone scent for daytime or casual wear.
Citrus fragrances are usually made up of citrus essential oils such as lemon, bergamot, grapefruit, and orange. They often have a distinct, tart scent that can enliven and energize. Citrus fragrances are sometimes blended with floral notes to create a light, airy scent, or with woody and herbal notes to create a more complex composition.
Citrus essential oils can also be used in aromatherapy to help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Their bright, refreshing scent can uplift the spirit and energize the body.
Citrus fragrances come in two sub-categories: Citrus and Citrus Aromatic. Citrus fragrances are true to their name and capture the natural scent of citrus fruits. Citrus Aromatic fragrances are more complex and often combine citrus essential oils with other notes such as woody and floral.
The most popular citrus fragrances include: Orange Blossom by Jo Malone, Tom Ford Neroli Portofino, and Armani Code by Giorgio Armani. All of these perfumes feature prominent notes of citrus essential oils. They’re made even more complex by the addition of other notes such as floral and woody, which makes them ideal for everyday wear.
Citrus fragrances offer a burst of freshness and energy that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re a great way to add some brightness to your fragrance wardrobe.
Woody Fragrances
Woody fragrances are those that evoke a sense of warmth, earthiness, and comfort. They are often described as musky or smoky, and many contain a hint of spice. Woody fragrances can be found in all kinds of perfumes, from light and airy floral scents to heavier, more intense orientals.
Woody Aromatic:
Woody aromatic fragrances are created with a blend of woody and aromatic notes. These scents usually contain a base of woody notes such as cedarwood, sandalwood, and patchouli, and may be combined with notes of herbs, spices, and citrus. They evoke a sense of warmth and comfort and are often used in both men's and women's fragrances. Examples of woody aromatic fragrances include Gucci Guilty and Lancome Tresor Midnight Rose.
Woody Ambery:
Woody amber fragrances are created with a blend of woody, amber, and musky notes. These scents often contain a base of woody notes such as sandalwood and cedarwood, combined with notes of amber, incense, and musk. They evoke a feeling of sophistication and luxury and are often used in men's fragrances. Examples of woody amber fragrances include Dior Sauvage and Giorgio Armani Code.
Woody Musky:
Woody musky fragrances are created with a blend of woody, musky, and earthy notes. These scents often contain a base of woody notes such as sandalwood and cedarwood, combined with notes of patchouli, musk, and moss. They evoke a feeling of warmth and earthiness and are often used in both men's and women's fragrances. Examples of woody musky fragrances include Calvin Klein Truth and Hermes Jour d'Hermes.
Overall, woody fragrances are perfect for those who want a warm, comforting scent that evokes a feeling of sophistication and luxury. They can be found in a wide range of fragrances, from light and airy florals to heavier, more intense orientals. Whether you’re looking for a woody aromatic, woody ambery, or woody musky fragrance, you’re sure to find a scent that suits your needs.
Fresh Fragrances
Fresh fragrances evoke feelings of relaxation and can make you feel energized. They are inspired by nature and often have a natural, uplifting scent. Within the category of fresh fragrances, there are many subcategories and nuances that can be explored.
Green fragrances are typically composed of green notes like grass, leaves, and pine. These scents are often fresh and invigorating and can be found in many men’s colognes. Examples of green fragrances are Cool Water by Davidoff and Grass by H&M.
Aromatic Fougere fragrances are a combination of aromatic and herbal notes. These scents are typically woody and earthy with herbal notes of lavender, geranium, and coumarin. They are usually described as fresh and sharp. Examples of aromatic fougere fragrances are Paco Rabanne Invictus and Hugo Boss The Scent.
Fresh Marine fragrances are usually composed of aquatic and citrus notes. These scents are often described as crisp and clean and evoke a feeling of ocean air. Examples of these fresh marine fragrances are Davidoff Cool Water and Dunhill Icon Absolute.
Fresh fragrances usually don’t last long and can be challenging to wear. They are often light and refreshing but not as bold or intense as other fragrances. They can be worn in a variety of situations and can be used to create a light and airy atmosphere. They are also great for everyday wear. Examples of these fragrances are Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani and Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana.
Oriental Fragrances
Oriental fragrances are some of the oldest types of scents and are known for their exotic and mysterious allure. These scents are dominated by warm, rich, and lush base notes, such as amber, musk, patchouli, and vanilla. Oriental fragrances are often quite powerful, with a luxurious, sensual feel.
Oriental fragrances are generally described as sweet, exotic, and mysterious, and are well-suited for evening wear. They often feature a combination of warm, sweet, spicy, and floral notes, giving them a unique and luxurious smell. Popular oriental fragrances include Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, Yves Saint Laurent Opium, and Tom Ford Black Orchid.
Oriental fragrances are typically divided into two categories; the traditional oriental scents, and the modern oriental fragrances. Traditional oriental fragrances are characterized by sweet, smoky, and resinous notes, and are often quite strong. Common notes in traditional oriental fragrances include amber, vanilla, patchouli, and sandalwood. Examples of traditional oriental scents include Giorgio Armani Prive Rose Alexandrie and Guerlain Shalimar.
Modern oriental fragrances, on the other hand, are characterized by lighter, fresher, and more floral notes such as jasmine, rose, and lily. They often contain hints of spices and are generally softer and less intense than traditional oriental fragrances. Examples of modern oriental scents include Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue and Calvin Klein Euphoria.
Oriental fragrances are best suited for special occasions and evenings out. They are often associated with passion, luxury, and mystery, and are perfect for those who want to make an impression. Whether you prefer the classic oriental scent or the modern version, there are plenty of oriental fragrances to choose from.
Fruity Fragrances
Fruity fragrances are those that contain notes of sweet, juicy fruits such as oranges, limes, melons, and apples. They have a bright and sparkly scent that many people find comforting and cheerful. Fruity fragrances can be made up of a single fruit note, or a blend of several different fruits. These types of fragrances are often used to evoke a feeling of summer and can make for a great daytime scent.
Fruity fragrances can be broken down further into three different categories. Fruity, Fruity Gourmand, and Fruity Floral. Fruity fragrances are the most common type of fruity scent and tend to be quite light and citrusy. They can be fragrances with top notes of lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, and other types of citrus fruits. Fruity Gourmand fragrances are a bit sweeter and more complex. Think scents with notes of juicy apples, pears, and mangoes. Finally, Fruity Floral fragrances blend fruity notes with floral notes to create a unique scent. Think scents with notes of jasmine, rose, and lily combined with fruity notes.
When it comes to wearing fruity fragrances, it's important to go easy with the application. The fruity scent can be quite overpowering, so it's best to apply sparingly. Fruity fragrances also tend to be quite light and don't last as long as other types of fragrances, so you may want to layer them with other lighter fragrances to make them last longer.
Examples of Fruity Fragrances include:
- Gucci Bloom Nettare di Fiori - This fragrance contains top notes of bergamot, pear, and black currant; middle notes of rose, osmanthus, and jasmine; and base notes of patchouli, musk, and chypre.
- Lancome La vie est Belle - This fragrance contains top notes of pear, black currant, and rhubarb; middle notes of jasmine, rose, and heliotrope; and base notes of almond, tonka bean, and praline.
- Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne - This fragrance contains top notes of lemon, basil, and bergamot; middle notes of red rose, magnolia, and cedarwood; and base notes of honey, musk, and white amber.
- Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb - This fragrance contains top notes of bergamot, tea, and jasmine; middle notes of freesia, sweet pea, and orange blossom; and base notes of sandalwood, patchouli, and amber.
When it comes to fruity fragrances, there are a variety of scents to choose from. Whether you're looking for something light and citrusy or something sweet and gourmand, there is a fruity fragrance out there that will suit your needs.
Examples of Perfume in Different Fragrance Families
When it comes to picking out the perfect fragrance, one of the most important things to consider is the fragrance family. It can be helpful to have some knowledge of the various fragrance families and the types of perfumes that belong to each one. This way, you can make sure you select the scent that best fits you and your lifestyle. Here, we’ll discuss the specific examples of perfumes within each fragrance family.
Floral Fragrances: Floral fragrances are one of the most popular fragrance families. They usually contain a variety of flowers such as jasmine, rose, or orange blossom. Examples of floral fragrances include Marc Jacobs Daisy, Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue, and Dior Hypnotic Poison.
Floral Bouquet: Floral bouquet fragrances are a combination of several different flowers, giving them a fuller and more complex scent. Examples of floral bouquet fragrances include Gucci Bloom, Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium, and Lancôme Tresor.
Floral Woody: Floral woody fragrances are a blend of sweet floral notes and woody notes. Examples of floral woody fragrances include Elizabeth Arden Sunflowers, Escada Moon Sparkle, and Creed Aventus.
Floral Aquatic: Floral aquatic fragrances are a combination of floral notes and aquatic notes, such as ozonic or watery notes. Examples of floral aquatic fragrances include Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey, Paco Rabanne Lady Million, and Gucci Bloom Acqua di Fiori.
Floral Fruity: Floral fruity fragrances are a combination of floral notes and fruity notes. Examples of floral fruity fragrances include Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream, Tory Burch Love Relentlessly, and Lancôme La Vie Est Belle.
Floral Extrait: Floral extrait fragrances are a concentrated form of floral fragrances. Examples of floral extrait fragrances include Tom Ford Black Orchid, Calvin Klein Obsession, and Dior Poison.
Citrus Fragrances: Citrus fragrances are a combination of citrus fruits and other zesty notes. They are often light and refreshing. Examples of citrus fragrances include Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue, Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey, and Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum.
Citrus: Citrus fragrances are pure citrus scents that contain no other notes. Examples of pure citrus fragrances include Dior Eau Sauvage, Guerlain Bergamote Soleil, and Acqua di Parma Colonia.
Citrus Aromatic: Citrus aromatic fragrances are a combination of citrus notes and aromatic notes, such as herbs or spices. Examples of citrus aromatic fragrances include Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey, Paco Rabanne Invictus, and Carolina Herrera Good Girl.
Woody Fragrances: Woody fragrances are a combination of notes from various woody plants and resins. Examples of woody fragrances include Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille, Gucci Guilty, and Dolce & Gabbana The One.
Woody Aromatic: Woody aromatic fragrances are a combination of woody notes and aromatic notes, such as floral or herbal notes. Examples of woody aromatic fragrances include Armani Code, Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb, and Versace Eros.
Woody Ambery: Woody ambery fragrances are a combination of woody notes and ambery notes, such as vanilla or tonka bean. Examples of woody ambery fragrances include Hugo Boss The Scent, Dior Sauvage, and Burberry Touch.
Woody Musky: Woody musky fragrances are a combination of woody notes and musky notes, such as musk or leather. Examples of woody musky fragrances include Viktor & Rolf Antidote, Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit de L’Homme, and Gucci Guilty Intense.
Fresh Fragrances: Fresh fragrances are a combination of light and airy notes, such as lemon or cucumber. Examples of fresh fragrances include Versace Bright Crystal, Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme, and Davidoff Cool Water.
Green: Green fragrances are a combination of green notes, such as grass or leaves. Examples of green fragrances include Prada Luna Rossa, Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male, and Bulgari AQVA.
Perfume Terminology Demystified
When discussing perfumes, there are a few essential terms that should be familiar to those interested in the fragrance industry. To begin, let's define the term 'notes'. Notes refer to the different scents used to make up a perfume, such as the top, middle, and base notes. These notes are blended together to create a perfume’s signature scent.
The concentration, or strength, of a perfume is also an important consideration. The more concentrated the perfume, the longer it will last. Perfumes with high concentrations of essential oils or alcohol, such as extrait de parfum, last longer than other concentrations such as eau de toilette.
Perfume families are groups of scents that have similar olfactory characteristics. Each family contains several fragrances which share related notes and accords. Common perfume families include Floral, Citrus, Woody, Fresh, Oriental, and Fruity.
The perfume pyramid is a useful visual tool that helps to illustrate the different notes that make up a fragrance. It is divided into three categories: top, middle, and base. The top notes are the lightest and most fleeting, while the middle and base notes are heavier and linger longer.
Lastly, a perfume’s lasting power is important when determining if it will be suitable for an individual. Perfumes with a higher concentration will generally last longer than those with a lower concentration. Additionally, the perfume’s scent will also depend on the individual’s skin chemistry.
By understanding the key terms used in the perfume industry, one can better evaluate and choose a fragrance that complements one’s style. Knowing the different fragrance families and their characteristics will allow one to experiment with different notes and concentrations. Lastly, familiarizing oneself with the perfume pyramid and lasting power of a fragrance will help to find a perfect scent that is both enjoyable and long-lasting.
FAQs
Q: What are the 5 fragrance families?
A: The five main fragrance families are Floral, Citrus, Woody, Fresh, and Oriental. These five families make up the majority of the fragrances found in perfumes, colognes, and aftershaves.
Q: What are the main perfume families?
A: The main perfume families are Floral, Citrus, Woody, Fresh, and Oriental. Within each of these families, there are dozens of individual notes and variations that create distinct scents.
Q: What are the olfactory families perfumes?
A: Olfactory families of perfumes are the categories used to classify and describe different types of scents. The five main olfactory families are Floral, Citrus, Woody, Fresh, and Oriental. Fragrance notes within each family often vary from light and subtle to bold and strong.
Q: What are the 10 categories of smell?
A: The 10 categories of smell include Floral, Citrus, Woody, Fresh, Oriental, Fruity, Green, Aromatic Fougere, Marine, and Gourmand. Each of these categories encompasses a distinct type of scent, from light and airy to bold and musky.
Q: What are the 9 types of scents?
A: The nine types of scent are Floral, Citrus, Woody, Fresh, Oriental, Fruity, Green, Aromatic Fougere, and Marine. Each of these categories has its own unique set of notes and fragrances, providing a wide range of options for those looking to create a signature scent.
Q: How do you categorize fragrances?
A: Fragrances are typically categorized according to their individual notes and accords. Each of the five main olfactory families contains a variety of scents and notes that can be combined to create unique and personal scents.
Q: What is the hierarchy of fragrances?
A: The hierarchy of fragrances is typically separated into five main categories, with each category containing its own unique set of notes and accords. These five categories are Floral, Citrus, Woody, Fresh, and Oriental. Within each of these families, there are dozens of individual notes and variations, allowing for a wide variety of unique scents.
Q: What are the 5 stages of fragrance?
A: The five stages of fragrance include the top note, the heart note, the base note, the intensity of the scent, and the longevity of the scent. The top note is the initial smell you experience, while the heart note is the main scent that lingers. The base note is the final scent, and the intensity and longevity of the scent depend on how long the scent remains on your skin.
Q: What is the strongest perfume category?
A: The strongest perfume category is typically the Oriental family, which is known for its musky and exotic scents. This family of fragrances is often used to create scents with a long-lasting and intense aroma.
Conclusion
Now that you have an understanding of perfume’s fragrance families and terminology, you can confidently choose the right scent for yourself or a loved one. By understanding the different categories and individual notes, you can also appreciate a fragrance’s complex character and layers.
Recap of fragrance families: As you now know, there are five main fragrance families: Floral, Citrus, Woody, Fresh and Oriental. Within each family, there are sub-categories that offer different nuances to the scent. Each sub-category is made up of individual notes that contribute to the overall smell.
Floral fragrances are one of the most popular fragrance families, with sweet and romantic tones. This family consists of Floral Bouquet, Floral Woody, Floral Aquatic, Floral Fruity, and Floral Extrait.
Citrus fragrances are made up of sparkling and refreshing notes and consist of Citrus and Citrus Aromatic. Woody fragrances have more masculine and woody tones, and include Woody Aromatic, Woody Ambery, and Woody Musky.
Fresh fragrances provide a light and invigorating scent, and encompass Green, Aromatic Fougere, and Fresh Marine. Oriental fragrances have a bold and intense aroma, and are made up of Oriental, Oriental Spicy, and Oriental Woody. Fruity fragrances are complex and sweet, and consist of Fruity, Fruity Gourmand, and Fruity Floral.
Summary of different types of perfume: Perfume can also be categorized based on its concentration and lasting power. The more concentrated a perfume is, the more expensive and longer-lasting it is. The basic framework of any perfume is made up of top, middle, and base notes.
The top notes, also known as the head notes, are the first to be smelled when applying the fragrance. These are typically light and evaporate quickly. Middle notes, or heart notes, form the core of the fragrance and are usually the most prominent. Lastly, base notes, or the dry-down, are the heaviest and linger longest.
The perfume pyramid is a helpful tool that illustrates the structure of a fragrance, which notes make up the blend, and in what order they are layered. Knowing the individual notes can help you pinpoint the scents you like best.
The hierarchy of fragrances is divided into four groups: Parfum, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, and Eau de Cologne. The higher the concentration, the longer the perfume will last. Parfum is the strongest concentration with 15-30% concentration, while Eau de Cologne has the lowest at 2-4%.
Lastly, there are five stages of fragrance: top note, middle note, base note, dry down, and lingering dry down. Each stage has its own unique smell and contributes to the overall composition of the scent.
With this beginner’s guide to perfume, we hope you now feel more confident in decoding fragrance families and terminology. Being familiar with the different families and notes, you can now more easily find the right fragrance for yourself or a loved one.
