Ennui Meaning and Definition
Ennui
Pronunciation
/ɛˈnuːj/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A feeling of listlessness and boredom; a lack of enthusiasm or interest.
Examples
- Sometimes I feel a sense of ennui after binge-watching the same TV shows nonstop.
- Her paintings seem to be devoid of passion, a sign of ennui.
- I got stuck in a rut and felt a strong sense of ennui, so I decided to take a break.
- He complained about his job, saying he experienced ennui every day.
- The lack of challenge at the new job led to ennui among the employees.
Synonyms
- Indolence
- Apathy
Antonyms
- Excitement
- Passion
Etymology
From French ennui, from Old French enui, from Latin innoxiam, meaning “lack of concern” or “indifference”.
Usage Notes
Ennui can be used to describe a feeling of boredom or listlessness, but it’s often used to convey a sense of emotional exhaustion or a lack of enthusiasm.
Cultural References
Ennui is often depicted in literature, art, and music as a state of emotional numbness or disconnection. Examples include:
- The poem “Ennui” by Charles Baudelaire
- The novel “The End of the Affair” by Graham Greene
- The song “Ennui” by The National
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“To feel a sense of ennui” means to experience a feeling of boredom or listlessness.
Related Words or Phrases
Words and phrases closely related to ennui include:
- Boredom
- Apathy
- Indolence
Collocations
Common word combinations with ennui include:
- Suffering from ennui
- To feel ennui
- An atmosphere of ennui
Frequency of Use
Ennui is a less common word in everyday language, but it’s often used in literary and artistic contexts to describe a state of emotional exhaustion or disconnection.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of ennui include:
- Enery
- Enoi
- Ennoi