What does the word nostalgic mean?

Pronunciation

/ˈnɒstəldʒɪks/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations

Examples

• The smell of fresh-cut grass reminded her of her childhood summers.
• He felt nostalgic for the old neighborhood where he grew up.

Synonyms

• Wistful
• Sentimental
• Romantic

Antonyms

• Future-oriented
• Pragmatic
• Unspeculative

Additional Information

The concept of nostalgia is often associated with feelings of longing or wistfulness for a past time or place that may or may not have been idyllic. This phenomenon can be particularly prominent in older adults who may nostalgically reminisce about their youth. Nostalgia can also be a way to cope with the passage of time and the eventual loss or decline of one’s youth. However, excessive nostalgia can also be seen as a form of escapism or a refusal to accept the present.

Nostalgia can be triggered by various stimuli, such as music, movies, books, or even specific smells or tastes. The nostalgic feeling can be strong enough to transport people back to a specific time and place, allowing them to relive memories and emotions.

Etymology

The word “nostalgia” comes from the Greek words “nostos”, meaning “returning home”, and “algos”, meaning “pain” or “longing”. It was first used in the 17th century to describe the pain or longing experienced by Swiss mercenaries fighting abroad who yearned to return to their homeland.

Usage Notes

Nostalgia is often used to describe a bittersweet feeling that is triggered by memories of the past. It can be used to describe feelings of longing or wistfulness for a past time or place, and can also be used to describe a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era.

Cultural References

Nostalgia has been a recurring theme in popular culture, with numerous films, books, and music albums exploring the concept. Examples include the movie “Forrest Gump”, the book “The Remains of the Day”, and the album “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars”.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Going down memory lane
• Looking back with nostalgia

Related Words or Phrases

• Wistful
• Sentimental
• Romantic
• Longing

Collocations

• Nostalgic for a bygone era
• Feeling nostalgic for one’s childhood
• Celebrating a nostalgic holiday season

Frequency of Use

Nostalgia is a common concept in everyday language, with many people experiencing nostalgic feelings at some point in their lives. The word itself is often used in popular culture, advertising, and marketing to evoke a sense of nostalgia and emotional connection.

Common Misspellings

• Nostalgie
• Nostalgicly