English · Emotions & Feelings

nostalgia

/nɒsˈtæl.dʒə/

[/nɒsˈtæl.dʒə/]

sentimental longing for past

Advancednoun

Definition

A sentimental longing for happy times or places in the past.

Example

Old photographs filled him with nostalgia for the long summers of his carefree childhood.

Old photographs filled him with nostalgia for the long summers of his carefree childhood.

Etymology

Coined from Greek 'nostos' (return home) and 'algos' (pain).

How & Where It’s Used

Describes bittersweet fondness for the past, often triggered by memories.

Watch “sentimental longing for past” pronunciation on YouTube
emotionmemory