nostalgic
/nɒˈstæl.dʒɪk/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Feeling sad and happy at the same time because you remember a time in the past. It can also describe something that makes you think warmly about the past.
- I feel nostalgic when I hear that old song.
- She got nostalgic about her school days.
- This photo has a nostalgic feel.
Adinary Nuance
Nostalgic is not the same as simply missing something. Missing is more direct and personal, while nostalgic often includes warm memory and gentle sadness. It is also more emotional than sentimental, which can sound overly soft or emotional. Writers use nostalgic when the past feels pleasing, but also a little far away.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- hoài niệm
- Spanish
- nostálgico
- Chinese
- 怀旧的
- Japanese
- 懐かしい
- Korean
- 향수 어린
Etymology
Nostalgic comes from nostalgia, which came into English in the 1600s from French and Greek roots meaning 'return home' and 'pain'. It first described homesickness, then later past feelings.
Common phrases
nostalgic about childhooda nostalgic moodfeel nostalgicnostalgic memories
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is nostalgic a positive or negative word?
- It is usually mixed. It feels warm and pleasant, but it can also include sadness.
- What is the difference between nostalgic and homesick?
- Homesick means you miss your home or current place. Nostalgic means you miss the past.
- Can I say nostalgic for something?
- Yes, but nostalgic about is more common in everyday English.
- Is nostalgic formal or informal?
- It is neutral and works in both speech and writing.