25 Of The Most Beautiful Words In English | The Odyssey Online
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25 Of The Most Beautiful Words In English

What are some of yours?

Sadaf Ayaz
May 09, 2016
Hunter College
836
25 Of The Most Beautiful Words In English
Selfamused

The English language like most languages is full of beautiful words. Some words have beautiful definitions while others simply sound beautiful. Although you may find that many of these words aren't colloquial terms, I'm sure you'll develop a keen liking to at least a few of them.

Here is a small list of some of the most beautiful words (and their definitions) in English:

1. Sonder: (n) the realization that each passerby has a life as vivid and complex as your own.

2. Effervescence: (n) bubbles in a liquid.

3. Mellifluous: (adj.) a sound that is sweet and smooth, pleasing to hear.

4. Hiraeth: (n) a homesickness for a home you can't return to, or that never was.

5. Somnambulist: (n) a person who sleepwalks


6. Metanoia: (n) the journey of changing one's mind, heart, self or way of life.

7. Sonorous: (adj.) an imposingly deep and full sound.

8. Sillage: (n) the scent that lingers in the air, the trails left in water, the impression made in space after something or someone has been and gone; the trace of someone's perfume.

9. Ethereal: (adj) extremely delicate light, not of this world.

10. Petrichor: (n) the pleasant, earthy smell after rain.

11. Iridescent: (adj) producing a display of rainbow-like colors.

12. Epiphany: (n) a moment of sudden revelation.

13. Redamancy: (n) the act of loving the one who loves you; a love returned in full.

14. Solitude: (n) a state of seclusion or isolation.

15. Aurora: (n) dawn.

16. Phosphenes: (n) the light and colors produced by rubbing your eyes.

17. Oblivion: (n) the state of being unaware of what is happening around you.

18. Ephemeral: (adj) lasting for a very short time.

19. Denouement: (n) the resolution of a narrative.

20. Vellichor: (n) the strange wistfulness of used bookshops.

21. Eloquence: (n) the art of using language in an apt, fluent way.

22. Defenestration: (n) the act of throwing someone out of a window.

23. Cromulent: (n) appearing legitimate but actually being spurious.

24. Incandescence: (n) light produced by high temperatures.

25. Syzygy: (n) an alignment of celestial bodies.

What are some of your favorite words? Make sure to share them below!
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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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