Nostalgia
/nɒsˈtæl.dʒə/noun
A sentimental longing for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.
Did you know?In the 17th century, nostalgia was considered a medical condition, thought to be a form of homesickness that could lead to severe depression!
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
nostalgia
“A term coined from Greek roots meaning 'pain' and 'return home'.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
νόστος (nóstos)
“The act of returning home.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἄλγος (álgos)
“Pain or grief.”
17th Century
English
nostalgia
“Adopted into English from Latin, referring to a psychological condition of longing.”
Modern English
English
nostalgia
“Evolved to denote a sentimental longing rather than a medical condition.”