nostalgia
Say it: nos-TAL-juh /nəˈstældʒə/ · noun
What “nostalgia” means
A warm longing for happy times in the past.
More precisely: A sentimental longing for the past.
Example: “Hearing that song filled me with nostalgia for summer camp.”
When to use it
Use it when an old song, place or object makes you fondly miss the past. It suits everyday conversation.
Similar words
longing, wistfulness, reminiscence
Where it comes from
From Greek nostos, "homecoming," and algos, "pain."
Quick check
Finding your childhood toy brings back happy memories and makes you wish for those days again. What do you feel?
regret or nostalgia?
Show the answer
nostalgia
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