English Meaning & Definitions
A sentimental longing or wistful affection for a period in the past, often associated with happy personal memories or a sense of loss for a time that can no longer be reclaimed.
- “Senti uma profunda nostalgia ao rever as fotos da minha infância na casa dos meus avós.”
- “A música antiga trouxe uma onda de nostalgia que me fez lembrar dos tempos de escola.”
English Synonyms & Near Equivalents
English Antonyms & Opposites
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “nostalgia”.
Coined in the late 17th century by Swiss medical student Johannes Hofer, the term combines the Greek 'nostos' (return home) and 'algos' (pain or suffering). Originally, it was considered a medical diagnosis for soldiers suffering from extreme homesickness, before evolving into the modern psychological sense of a sentimental longing for the past.
Think of 'nostos' (home) + 'algia' (pain): It is the 'pain' of wanting to return 'home' to the past.
Frequently Asked Questions About “nostalgia”
1. What is the meaning of “nostalgia” in English?
In English, nostalgia (noun) is defined as: “A sentimental longing or wistful affection for a period in the past, often associated with happy personal memories or a sense of loss for a time that can no longer be reclaimed.”.
2. How do you use “nostalgia” in a sentence?
“Senti uma profunda nostalgia ao rever as fotos da minha infância na casa dos meus avós.”
3. What are English synonyms of “nostalgia”?
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “nostalgia”?
Coined in the late 17th century by Swiss medical student Johannes Hofer, the term combines the Greek 'nostos' (return home) and 'algos' (pain or suffering). Originally, it was considered a medical diagnosis for soldiers suffering from extreme homesickness, before evolving into the modern psychological sense of a sentimental longing for the past.