Nostalgia
/nɒsˈtæl.dʒə/noun
A sentimental longing for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.
Did you know?Originally coined in the 17th century to describe the homesickness of soldiers, nostalgia was once considered a medical condition!
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
nostalgĭa
“A term describing a painful yearning for home.”
17th Century
French
nostalgie
“A neologism used to denote the specific sorrow of returning home.”
18th Century
English
nostalgia
“Adopted into English with the same meaning, framing it as a longing for the past.”
19th Century
English
nostalgia
“Became associated not only with homesickness but also with a sentimental longing for bygone eras.”
Modern English
English
nostalgia
“Now widely recognized as a complex emotional state reflecting both joy and sorrow for past experiences.”