Ennui
/ˌɑːnˈwiː/noun
A feeling of deep boredom, weariness, and listlessness.
Did you know?The word entered English from French, where its older sense was closer to “vexation” or “annoyance,” showing how boredom and emotional suffering can grow from the same linguistic root.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*nau̯-
“To be troublesome, harmful, or unpleasant (reconstructed root behind Latin noxa/nocere).”
Latin
Latin
noxa
“Harm, injury, or guilt; something harmful.”
Latin
Latin
nocēre
“To hurt, harm, or injure.”
Old French
Old French
anui
“Vexation, annoyance, distress, disgust.”
Middle English
English
annoyen
“To vex, trouble, or cause distress.”
Modern English
English
ennui
“A feeling of listless boredom or weariness.”