Nostalgia

usgb/nəˈstældʒə,nɑːˈstældʒə/
noun

A feeling of happiness and sadness when thinking about things that happened in the past.

Listening to these old songs fills me with nostalgia.
Visual representation of "nostalgia" - A feeling of happiness and sadness when thinking about things that happened in the past.

Often appears as...

  • nostalgic about
  • nostalgia for
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "nostalgia"
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Positive Sorrow

Nostalgia mixes happiness with a bit of sadness, reflecting fondly on the past.

Illustration for Positive Sorrow
Looking at the old family album, a wave of nostalgia washed over me.
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Not Actual Past

Nostalgia often idealizes the past, making it seem better than it was.

Illustration for Not Actual Past
The nostalgia for my school days ignores the tough exams I had to take.
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Triggered Moments

Specific things like smells, sounds, or places can unexpectedly trigger nostalgia.

Illustration for Triggered Moments
The smell of fresh bread brought a sudden nostalgia for my grandmother's kitchen.
Visual representation of the word "Nostalgia"

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