Nostalgia – Definition, Meaning & Use In A Sentence

04.09.23 Definitions Time to read: 3min

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Nostalgia-01

Numerous individuals look up the definitions of various words, terms, and phrases in English. However, while some of these are widely used, some individuals are unaware of their true roots and only use them for the sake of fashion. The purpose of this article is to offer a detailed comprehension of the word “nostalgia,” encompassing its origins and accurate spelling.

Definition of “nostalgia”

“Nostalgia” is a noun that refers to a sentimental longing or affectionate remembrance of the past. It’s a bittersweet feeling that arises when you remember or think about events, experiences, places, or people from your past. Nostalgia often involves a mix of emotions, including happiness for the memories and a sense of longing for times that have passed. It can be triggered by certain smells, sounds, sights, or even specific objects that remind you of earlier times.

Use of “nostalgia” in a sentence

When used in an English context, “nostalgia” acts as a noun. The following examples illustrate how to use the word in a sentence.

Examples

  • The old photographs brought a wave of nostalgia, reminding her of carefree summer days.
  • Hearing songs from their school days filled them with a sense of nostalgia for their youth.
  • The aroma of homemade apple pie evoked a feeling of nostalgia for family gatherings.

How to spell “nostalgia” correctly

“Nostalgia” is often misspelled as “nostaligia”, “nostaglia”, or “nostalgija”. These misspellings frequently occur because of the “a” sound in the middle of the word and the unfamiliarity with its Greek origin. The only correct way of spelling the Greek word is “nostalgia” and consists of two parts:

  • “Nostos” – meaning “return home”
  • “Algos” – meaning “pain” or “ache”

Correct spelling

nostalgia

 

 

Wrong spelling

nostaligia

nostaglia

nostalgija

Synonyms for “nostalgia”

Using synonyms of “nostalgia” can be useful as they offer different words with similar meanings, providing diversity and subtlety in communication. Incorporating synonyms can also enhance writing or conversation by avoiding repetition. Below are four synonyms for “nostalgia” and sample sentences for each.

Synonym Examples
Longing The love letters she found in the attic filled her with a deep sense of nostalgia for her youth.
The love letters she found in the attic filled her with a deep sense of longing for her youth.
Reminiscence Sharing stories from their school days was a delightful exercise in nostalgia.
Sharing stories from their school days was a delightful exercise in reminiscence.
Saudade The Portuguese concept of nostalgia captures the feeling of missing someone deeply.
The Portuguese concept of saudade captures the feeling of missing someone deeply.
Yearning Gazing at the old family photo album, she felt a strong nostalgia to relive those moments.
Gazing at the old family photo album, she felt a strong yearning to relive those moments.

FAQs

“Nostalgia” is a noun that refers to a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a time, place, or experience that evokes positive memories and emotions.

  • As she flipped through the photo album, a rush of nostalgia swept over her.

 

In this sentence, “nostalgia” refers to the strong and often sentimental longing for the past, triggered by the act of looking at old photographs. The feeling of nostalgia is associated with fond memories and a desire to relive or experience the moments captured in those pictures.

“Nostalgia” is defined by Oxford as a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, often accompanied by a mixture of happiness, fondness, and sadness. It involves a yearning for previous times, places, experiences, or people that evoke positive memories and emotions. Nostalgia can be triggered by various sensory stimuli and can create a sense of connection between the past and the present.

The correct phrase is “feeling nostalgic”. “Nostalgia” itself is a noun, and you would use the adjective “nostalgic”.

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