nostalgia
noun
A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past; a yearning for the return of past circumstances or conditions.
Etymology
Coined in 1688 by Swiss physician Johannes Hofer from Greek nostos "homecoming" + algos "pain, grief." It was originally considered a medical condition.
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The old photographs filled her with nostalgia for her childhood."
- 2.
"Nostalgia for the 1980s has driven a revival of retro fashion."
- 3.
"The familiar melody triggered a powerful wave of nostalgia."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Nostalgia was once considered a serious medical condition affecting soldiers far from home. Swiss physician Johannes Hofer in 1688 thought it might be caused by "demons" or damage from cowbell ringing in the Alps.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 9 letters (N, O, S, T, A, L, G, I, A)
Scrabble Value: 10 points
Tip: Words ending in "IA" are often good scoring opportunities.
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