What does it mean to "waft" an aroma?

To "waft" an aroma means to disperse it into the air in a gentle and easily detectable manner. This term often evokes the image of a scent moving lightly through the air, inviting one's attention or enticing them to notice it. It suggests an effortless, casual transport of the aroma, allowing it to blend into the surrounding environment.

When we talk about wafting an aroma, it typically involves the movement of fragrance, such as the smell of fresh bread or blooming flowers, that lingers and travels through a space, making it noticeable to others. This action is characterized by an element of grace, where the scent gently spreads rather than being forcefully projected.

The other options present actions that either imply containment, concealment, or disregard of the aroma, which do not align with the nuanced and airy connotation of wafting. The focus here on the gentle dispersal illustrates why the correct interpretation of "waft" is associated with the act of spreading a scent into the air.