BEAUTIFUL WORDS
BUILD A BETTER VOCABULARY
Words posted by @kairosoflife on Twitter
under the hashtag #beautifulwords
This section is still under construction. The word lists are slowly being transferred here from Creativity Chaos
BUILD A BETTER VOCABULARY
Words posted by @kairosoflife on Twitter
under the hashtag #beautifulwords
This section is still under construction. The word lists are slowly being transferred here from Creativity Chaos
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LEARN new words, old words, obscure words and untranslatable words from faraway lands.
2019 Archive of Beautiful Words
WORD OF THE DAY
Erudite is a having or showing great knowledge or learning. The word derives from the Middle English "erudite" from Latin eruditus, the past participle of the verb erudire, meaning "to instruct."
Fortitudinous is a word describing someone with courage. From the Latin fortitūdin- (stem of fortitūdō ) meaning fortitude (mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation courageously)
Martinet is a word that describes a strict disciplinarian (especially in the armed forces). From the late 17th century and named after Jean Martinet (a French drill master).
Mirabilia are miraculous events that inspire wonder. From classical Latin ‘ mīrābilia’ meaning to “marvel.”
Sequacious describes a person who follows and imitates someone else because they lack independent thought. From the mid 17th century Latin word sequax meaning to ‘follow’ and -ous meaning ‘tends to’
Trädmord is Swedish for “tree killer” or someone who uses an excessive amount of paper or packaging.
Kopfkino is a German word that literally translates to a cinema in your head. It’s when you have an inner visualization of how events will unfold. From Kopf (head) + Kino (cinema)
Madrugada is an untranslatable Spanish word that means the moment at dawn when the night greets the day. From the word madrugar (meaning dawn) and the Latin mātūrāre (meaning to hasten).
Burgeon means to begin grow or increase rapidly; flourish. Middle English: from Old French bourgeonner ‘put out buds’, from borjon ‘bud’, based on late Latin burra ‘wool’.
Absquatulate means to leave abruptly without saying goodbye. Mid 19th century: blend of abscond, meaning squattle ‘squat down’, and perambulate.
Phlegethon is a stream of fire or fiery light. Comes from Classical Mythology it is river of fire, one of five rivers surrounding Hades. Greek phlegéthōn for blazing or phlegéthein to blaze.
Entelechy is the realization of potential. From late Middle English: via late Latin from Greek entelekheia (used by Aristotle), from en- ‘within’ + telos ‘end, perfection’ + ekhein ‘be in a certain state’.
Verifical is being truthful. From mid 17th century, from Latin veridicus (from verus ‘true’ + dicere ‘say’) + -al.
Saudade is a deep emotional state of nostalgic or profound melancholic longing for someone you love who is distant or gone. It carries a repressed knowledge that the person might never return.
Naksukashii is a Japanese word for a small thing that brings back fond memories of someone but not with a wistful longing for what is gone but an appreciation for the good times you had.
Reverie is a French word for a state of being pleasantly lost in one's thoughts; a daydream. Early 17th century: from the obsolete French resverie, from Old French reverie ‘rejoicing, revelry’, from rever ‘be delirious’.
Sophrosyne is an ancient Greek concept of an excellent character and soundness of mind which when combined leads to qualities such as moderation, purity, decorum and self-control. Greek sōphrosýnē, derivative of sṓphrōn prudent.
Finifugal is not being fond of endings; someone who tries to avoid or prolong the final moment of a book or story, a relationship, or vacation or some other journey.
Ostranenie is encouraging people to see common things as strange, wild and unfamiliar; defamiliarizing what is known in order to know it differently or more deeply. Coined in 1917 by Russian writer and literary critic Viktor Shklovsky.
In literary theory it is a technique in which a literary work presents familiar objects or situations in an unfamiliar way, prolonging the perceptive process and allowing for a fresh perspective.
Fika is a Swedish word for the moment to slow down and appreciate the good things in life like enjoying coffee with good friends.
Halcyon is Greek for a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful. It also is mythical bird said by ancient writers to breed in a nest floating at sea at the winter solstice.
Ephemeral is a Greek word that means lasting a very short time. From the word ephēmeros meaning ‘lasting only a day.’ The word originated in the late 16th century as a scientific term for organisms (insects & flowers) with very short life spans. It later expanded to include anything short-lived.
Ineffable describes something too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words. Late Middle English: from Old French, or from Latin ineffabilis, from in- ‘not’ and effabilis (able to be described in words).
Cynefin is a Welsh word for habitat or home. It is a place where a person feels where he or she should live and belong. It is where the environment around them is welcoming and perfect.
Sacrosanct is a principle, place, or routine regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with. Must be kept sacred. From Latin sacrosanctus, from sacro ‘by a sacred rite’ and sanctus ‘holy’.
An arctophile is a person who collects or is very fond of teddy bears. From the Greek arctos for ‘bear’ and phile for ‘loving’
Cavalcade is a formal procession of people walking, on horseback, or riding in vehicles. From Italian cavalcata, from cavalcare ‘to ride’, based on Latin caballus ‘horse’.
Lachrymose is a word that means tearful or given to weeping. From the mid 17th century Latin lacrimosus, from lacrima meaning ‘tear’.
Mellifluous is a voice or words sweet or musical; pleasant to hear. In Latin, mel means "honey" and fluere means "to flow."
Concinnity is the the skillful and harmonious arrangement of the different parts of something. The elegance of artistic style. The word derived from the Roman word “concinnus” meaning skillfully put together.
Non sequitur is a statement (such as a response) that does not follow logically from or is not clearly related to anything previously said. From the Latin for “does not follow”.
Hinterland is the often uncharted areas beyond a coastal district or a river's banks. From the late 19th century German, from hinter meaning ‘behind’ + Land ‘land’.
Henotic means serving to reconcile; promoting peace. From Ancient Greek ἑνωτικός (henōtikos, “serving to unite”).
Sweven is a vision or dream. Middle English; Old English swefn; like the Old Norse sofa to sleep, Latin somnus, Greek hýpnos sleep.
Quixotic means being extravagantly chivalrous or romantic, impulsive and often rashly unpredictable. From Don Quixote, the romantic, impractical hero of Cervantes' satirical novel "Don Quixote de La Mancha.
An oenophile is someone who loves their wine. From Greek oinos (wine) + phile (lover of).
Ephemera are things that exist or are used or enjoyed for only a short time. From the Greek ephēmeros meaning lasting only a day.
Novaturient is a new word coined to mean desiring or seeking powerful change in your life, behavior or a certain situation. Do you feel like soul searching? Or do a breath-taking travel? Or, when you want to break free from your current routine and lifestyle?
Nazlanmak is a Turkish word for pretending reluctance or indifference when you are actually willing and eager. Women do this by saying no to a date but really meaning yes and thus making the guy work for it.
Lunette is the crescent shape of the moon. Late 16th century (denoting a semicircular horseshoe): from French, diminutive of lune ‘moon’, from Latin luna .
Smultronställe is a Swedish word and is literally translated as, “place of wild strawberries.” It refers to a favorite, special place or treasured location where you can find solace, relaxation, and peace.
Kilig is the sheer exhilaration you get when you are attracted to someone or anticipating a romantic encounter. It is like the butterflies you get in your stomach. It comes from the Tagalog meaning ‘a thrill’.
Mad’ouk is an Arabic word for tried and tested, experienced or toughened and is used to demonstrate someone’s credibility through their life experience. Also known as street smarts.
Fusty originally meant musty but came to also refer to something out of date or old fashioned. It described stale wine that sat in the cask for too long; it literally meant that the wine had the "taste of the cask."
Jeremiad is a long, mournful complaint or lamentation; a list of woes; or angry tirade. In modern times it would be a long ass hissy fit. From ecclesiastical Latin Jeremias, referencing Jeremiah in the Old Testament.
Anam cara is Gaelic for someone with whom you can share your deepest feelings and darkest secrets. The phrase is an anglicization of the Irish word anamchara, anam meaning "soul" and cara meaning "friend".
Anhedonia is a darker word and it means the loss of interest and enjoyment in all activities. The feeling of not caring anymore. If you are experiencing anhedonia please reach out to your doctor or a therapist or a friend. You are not alone.
Arete is a collection of qualities that determine good character. For example valor or moral virtue. At its core arete means excellence of any kind. From the Greek word ἀρετή meaning excellence achieved from fulfillment of purpose or living up to one’s potential.
Ambedo is a melancholic trance in which you become completely absorbed in vivid sensory details. Like raindrops skittering down a window. It leads to a dawning awareness of the fragility of life. Created from the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows.
Selcouth is a middle English word from the 12th century meaning strange, unusual, or rare. From the old English seldcūth, meaning seldom and cūth, meaning known.
Kairosclerosis is the moment you realize that you’re currently happy but you consciously overanalyze it until it slowly dissolves. From the Greek kairos, or “the opportune moment” and sclerosis, meaning “hardening.”
Effleurage is a French word meaning “to skim" or "to touch lightly” and is used during a Swedish massage. It is a soothing stroke of the hand before the deep tissue massage strokes known as petrissage.
A carriwitchet is an absurd question; a quibble; a conundrum; a pun; a piece of jocularity or facetiousness. Example: If a bushel of apples cost ten dollars, how long will it take for a lobster to eat its way through a bar of soap?
Amaranthine is rooted in the Greek words amarantos, meaning "immortal" or "unfading," and anthos, meaning "flower." Eternally beautiful. It also refers to a deep red and purple color.
Taonga is a Māori word for treasure; something you cherish close to your heart or keep safe as your prized possession.
Saying she is your raison d'être is to say she is your reason for existence.
The Japanese word Wabi-Sabi is a beautiful untranslatable word that means loving someone for who they are. Perfectly imperfect, or the acceptance of imperfection.
The French word élan is described as a distinctive and stylish elegance, a unique flair, or someone with flash, zeal & panache. A person with élan is also enthusiastic and assured with vigor and liveliness.
Zemblanity is the opposite of serendipity (an unplanned pleasant surprise) and was coined in 1998 to mean making an unhappy and unlucky discovery by design. The name derives from the cold and barren Arctic landscape of Nova Zembla while serendipity comes from the lush and green Sri Lanka.
Myötähäpeä is the shame you experience on behalf of your dumbass uncle when he is doing something stupid & embarrassing at a party. Let it go. That redneck does it to himself every time he’s packing moonshine.
Intuition is informally the voice of your soul or a gut feeling. Formally it is to understand immediately without the need for conscious reasoning. From Middle English intuycyon (contemplate), Latin intuēri (look at)
Irenic, defined as the promotion of peace or reconciliation, is derived from Eirēnē, the mythological Greek goddess of peace.
Shivviness is the uncomfortable feeling of wearing brand new underwear. Ladies to avoid shivviness try not to fall victim to a thong. And gents? Try losing the tighty whities for some boxers.
You know what it’s like when you meet someone and you engage in a flirtatious banter but it ultimately leads nowhere? That flirty connection is called sphallolalia. From the Ancient Greek sphallō, "to stumble" and lalia, "talking".
Fortitudinous is a word describing someone with courage. From the Latin fortitūdin- (stem of fortitūdō ) meaning fortitude (mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation courageously)
Martinet is a word that describes a strict disciplinarian (especially in the armed forces). From the late 17th century and named after Jean Martinet (a French drill master).
Mirabilia are miraculous events that inspire wonder. From classical Latin ‘ mīrābilia’ meaning to “marvel.”
Sequacious describes a person who follows and imitates someone else because they lack independent thought. From the mid 17th century Latin word sequax meaning to ‘follow’ and -ous meaning ‘tends to’
Trädmord is Swedish for “tree killer” or someone who uses an excessive amount of paper or packaging.
Kopfkino is a German word that literally translates to a cinema in your head. It’s when you have an inner visualization of how events will unfold. From Kopf (head) + Kino (cinema)
Madrugada is an untranslatable Spanish word that means the moment at dawn when the night greets the day. From the word madrugar (meaning dawn) and the Latin mātūrāre (meaning to hasten).
Burgeon means to begin grow or increase rapidly; flourish. Middle English: from Old French bourgeonner ‘put out buds’, from borjon ‘bud’, based on late Latin burra ‘wool’.
Absquatulate means to leave abruptly without saying goodbye. Mid 19th century: blend of abscond, meaning squattle ‘squat down’, and perambulate.
Phlegethon is a stream of fire or fiery light. Comes from Classical Mythology it is river of fire, one of five rivers surrounding Hades. Greek phlegéthōn for blazing or phlegéthein to blaze.
Entelechy is the realization of potential. From late Middle English: via late Latin from Greek entelekheia (used by Aristotle), from en- ‘within’ + telos ‘end, perfection’ + ekhein ‘be in a certain state’.
Verifical is being truthful. From mid 17th century, from Latin veridicus (from verus ‘true’ + dicere ‘say’) + -al.
Saudade is a deep emotional state of nostalgic or profound melancholic longing for someone you love who is distant or gone. It carries a repressed knowledge that the person might never return.
Naksukashii is a Japanese word for a small thing that brings back fond memories of someone but not with a wistful longing for what is gone but an appreciation for the good times you had.
Reverie is a French word for a state of being pleasantly lost in one's thoughts; a daydream. Early 17th century: from the obsolete French resverie, from Old French reverie ‘rejoicing, revelry’, from rever ‘be delirious’.
Sophrosyne is an ancient Greek concept of an excellent character and soundness of mind which when combined leads to qualities such as moderation, purity, decorum and self-control. Greek sōphrosýnē, derivative of sṓphrōn prudent.
Finifugal is not being fond of endings; someone who tries to avoid or prolong the final moment of a book or story, a relationship, or vacation or some other journey.
Ostranenie is encouraging people to see common things as strange, wild and unfamiliar; defamiliarizing what is known in order to know it differently or more deeply. Coined in 1917 by Russian writer and literary critic Viktor Shklovsky.
In literary theory it is a technique in which a literary work presents familiar objects or situations in an unfamiliar way, prolonging the perceptive process and allowing for a fresh perspective.
Fika is a Swedish word for the moment to slow down and appreciate the good things in life like enjoying coffee with good friends.
Halcyon is Greek for a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful. It also is mythical bird said by ancient writers to breed in a nest floating at sea at the winter solstice.
Ephemeral is a Greek word that means lasting a very short time. From the word ephēmeros meaning ‘lasting only a day.’ The word originated in the late 16th century as a scientific term for organisms (insects & flowers) with very short life spans. It later expanded to include anything short-lived.
Ineffable describes something too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words. Late Middle English: from Old French, or from Latin ineffabilis, from in- ‘not’ and effabilis (able to be described in words).
Cynefin is a Welsh word for habitat or home. It is a place where a person feels where he or she should live and belong. It is where the environment around them is welcoming and perfect.
Sacrosanct is a principle, place, or routine regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with. Must be kept sacred. From Latin sacrosanctus, from sacro ‘by a sacred rite’ and sanctus ‘holy’.
An arctophile is a person who collects or is very fond of teddy bears. From the Greek arctos for ‘bear’ and phile for ‘loving’
Cavalcade is a formal procession of people walking, on horseback, or riding in vehicles. From Italian cavalcata, from cavalcare ‘to ride’, based on Latin caballus ‘horse’.
Lachrymose is a word that means tearful or given to weeping. From the mid 17th century Latin lacrimosus, from lacrima meaning ‘tear’.
Mellifluous is a voice or words sweet or musical; pleasant to hear. In Latin, mel means "honey" and fluere means "to flow."
Concinnity is the the skillful and harmonious arrangement of the different parts of something. The elegance of artistic style. The word derived from the Roman word “concinnus” meaning skillfully put together.
Non sequitur is a statement (such as a response) that does not follow logically from or is not clearly related to anything previously said. From the Latin for “does not follow”.
Hinterland is the often uncharted areas beyond a coastal district or a river's banks. From the late 19th century German, from hinter meaning ‘behind’ + Land ‘land’.
Henotic means serving to reconcile; promoting peace. From Ancient Greek ἑνωτικός (henōtikos, “serving to unite”).
Sweven is a vision or dream. Middle English; Old English swefn; like the Old Norse sofa to sleep, Latin somnus, Greek hýpnos sleep.
Quixotic means being extravagantly chivalrous or romantic, impulsive and often rashly unpredictable. From Don Quixote, the romantic, impractical hero of Cervantes' satirical novel "Don Quixote de La Mancha.
An oenophile is someone who loves their wine. From Greek oinos (wine) + phile (lover of).
Ephemera are things that exist or are used or enjoyed for only a short time. From the Greek ephēmeros meaning lasting only a day.
Novaturient is a new word coined to mean desiring or seeking powerful change in your life, behavior or a certain situation. Do you feel like soul searching? Or do a breath-taking travel? Or, when you want to break free from your current routine and lifestyle?
Nazlanmak is a Turkish word for pretending reluctance or indifference when you are actually willing and eager. Women do this by saying no to a date but really meaning yes and thus making the guy work for it.
Lunette is the crescent shape of the moon. Late 16th century (denoting a semicircular horseshoe): from French, diminutive of lune ‘moon’, from Latin luna .
Smultronställe is a Swedish word and is literally translated as, “place of wild strawberries.” It refers to a favorite, special place or treasured location where you can find solace, relaxation, and peace.
Kilig is the sheer exhilaration you get when you are attracted to someone or anticipating a romantic encounter. It is like the butterflies you get in your stomach. It comes from the Tagalog meaning ‘a thrill’.
Mad’ouk is an Arabic word for tried and tested, experienced or toughened and is used to demonstrate someone’s credibility through their life experience. Also known as street smarts.
Fusty originally meant musty but came to also refer to something out of date or old fashioned. It described stale wine that sat in the cask for too long; it literally meant that the wine had the "taste of the cask."
Jeremiad is a long, mournful complaint or lamentation; a list of woes; or angry tirade. In modern times it would be a long ass hissy fit. From ecclesiastical Latin Jeremias, referencing Jeremiah in the Old Testament.
Anam cara is Gaelic for someone with whom you can share your deepest feelings and darkest secrets. The phrase is an anglicization of the Irish word anamchara, anam meaning "soul" and cara meaning "friend".
Anhedonia is a darker word and it means the loss of interest and enjoyment in all activities. The feeling of not caring anymore. If you are experiencing anhedonia please reach out to your doctor or a therapist or a friend. You are not alone.
Arete is a collection of qualities that determine good character. For example valor or moral virtue. At its core arete means excellence of any kind. From the Greek word ἀρετή meaning excellence achieved from fulfillment of purpose or living up to one’s potential.
Ambedo is a melancholic trance in which you become completely absorbed in vivid sensory details. Like raindrops skittering down a window. It leads to a dawning awareness of the fragility of life. Created from the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows.
Selcouth is a middle English word from the 12th century meaning strange, unusual, or rare. From the old English seldcūth, meaning seldom and cūth, meaning known.
Kairosclerosis is the moment you realize that you’re currently happy but you consciously overanalyze it until it slowly dissolves. From the Greek kairos, or “the opportune moment” and sclerosis, meaning “hardening.”
Effleurage is a French word meaning “to skim" or "to touch lightly” and is used during a Swedish massage. It is a soothing stroke of the hand before the deep tissue massage strokes known as petrissage.
A carriwitchet is an absurd question; a quibble; a conundrum; a pun; a piece of jocularity or facetiousness. Example: If a bushel of apples cost ten dollars, how long will it take for a lobster to eat its way through a bar of soap?
Amaranthine is rooted in the Greek words amarantos, meaning "immortal" or "unfading," and anthos, meaning "flower." Eternally beautiful. It also refers to a deep red and purple color.
Taonga is a Māori word for treasure; something you cherish close to your heart or keep safe as your prized possession.
Saying she is your raison d'être is to say she is your reason for existence.
The Japanese word Wabi-Sabi is a beautiful untranslatable word that means loving someone for who they are. Perfectly imperfect, or the acceptance of imperfection.
The French word élan is described as a distinctive and stylish elegance, a unique flair, or someone with flash, zeal & panache. A person with élan is also enthusiastic and assured with vigor and liveliness.
Zemblanity is the opposite of serendipity (an unplanned pleasant surprise) and was coined in 1998 to mean making an unhappy and unlucky discovery by design. The name derives from the cold and barren Arctic landscape of Nova Zembla while serendipity comes from the lush and green Sri Lanka.
Myötähäpeä is the shame you experience on behalf of your dumbass uncle when he is doing something stupid & embarrassing at a party. Let it go. That redneck does it to himself every time he’s packing moonshine.
Intuition is informally the voice of your soul or a gut feeling. Formally it is to understand immediately without the need for conscious reasoning. From Middle English intuycyon (contemplate), Latin intuēri (look at)
Irenic, defined as the promotion of peace or reconciliation, is derived from Eirēnē, the mythological Greek goddess of peace.
Shivviness is the uncomfortable feeling of wearing brand new underwear. Ladies to avoid shivviness try not to fall victim to a thong. And gents? Try losing the tighty whities for some boxers.
You know what it’s like when you meet someone and you engage in a flirtatious banter but it ultimately leads nowhere? That flirty connection is called sphallolalia. From the Ancient Greek sphallō, "to stumble" and lalia, "talking".
STARLIGHT POETRY BY KAI
View Me on Twitter @kairosoflife
See Creativity Chaos - a Creativity Blog by Kai
About | Reprints & Copyrights
© 2019-2020 Copyright Starlight Poetry
View Me on Twitter @kairosoflife
See Creativity Chaos - a Creativity Blog by Kai
About | Reprints & Copyrights
© 2019-2020 Copyright Starlight Poetry