numinous
Say it: NYOO-mih-nus /ˈnjuːmɪnəs/ · adjective
What “numinous” means
Filled with a mysterious, spiritual presence that inspires awe.
More precisely: Having a strong spiritual or mysterious quality; awe-inspiring.
Example: “Standing among the redwoods felt numinous, even to my atheist friend.”
When to use it
For places or experiences that feel spiritually powerful and mysterious, usually in reflective writing.
Memory trick
Latin numen means divine presence: think of feeling something sacred nearby.
Similar words
spiritual, awe-inspiring, transcendent
Where it comes from
Latin numen, 'divine power or presence'.
Quick check
Inside an ancient shrine, you feel an unseen sacred presence and a deep sense of awe. How does it feel?
numinous or ominous?
Show the answer
numinous
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