What does it mean when you have deja vu?

Pronunciation

/deɪʒɑː viː/

Part of Speech

Noun phrase

Definition

A common psychological phenomenon where a person feels like they have already experienced a situation or event before, even if they know that they have not.

Examples

I had deja vu when I walked into the office building, it felt like I had been there before.
The dream I had last night gave me deja vu, it felt so real.

Synonyms

Familiarity
Recognition

Antonyms

Unfamiliarity
Disorientation

Additional Information

Deja vu is a common phenomenon that can occur at any time, and it is often triggered by a familiar sight, sound, or smell. Researchers have proposed various theories to explain deja vu, including memory overlap, neurological factors, and psychological explanations.

Deja vu can be a fascinating experience, but it can also be unsettling. While it is generally considered a harmless phenomenon, it can be a symptom of certain neurological disorders, such as epilepsy or anxiety.

Deja vu has also been the subject of philosophical and scientific inquiry, with some researchers exploring its implications for our understanding of consciousness and memory.

Etymology

The term “deja vu” comes from French, where “déjà” means “already” and “vu” means “seen”. The phrase was first used in the late 19th century to describe the phenomenon.

Usage Notes

Deja vu is often used to describe a specific feeling or experience, but it can also be used more broadly to describe a sense of familiarity or recognition.

Cultural References

Deja vu has been referenced in popular culture, including in films, literature, and music.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Deja vu all over again

Related Words or Phrases

Deja entendu
Jamais vu

Collocations

Have deja vu
Experience deja vu

Frequency of Use

Deja vu is a relatively common phrase in modern language, with a frequency of use of around 0.0001%.