12 Unique Words And Their Meanings | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

12 Unique Words And Their Meanings

Because language can be endlessly lovely.

100715
12 Unique Words And Their Meanings

I find words and their definitions to be endlessly fascinating. It amazes me that the simple 26 letters in the English alphabet can be arranged in a seemingly endless variety that creates so many different meanings, stories, and feelings. Language is such a beautiful thing, and quite often in life, we get stuck in a daily routine with our language. We tend to use words that are comfortable to us and don't often actively seek out ways to expand our vocabulary. Here are some words that, even if you don't start using in your vocabulary, are gorgeous in sound and meaning. Try keeping them in your head and living through them in your life.

1. Logolepsy: (n.) an obsession or fascination with words.

This seems like an appropriate way to start this list. Always keep your curiosity high and your search for wisdom higher.

2. Eunoia: (n.) beautiful thinking; a well mind.

This word comes from the Greek word εὔνοια which directly means a "well mind." It is also the shortest word in the English language that contains all of the five main vowels. Try to always keep your thoughts clear and your mind positive.

3. Tacenda: (n.) things better left unsaid; matters to be passed over in silence.

Sometimes it is better when things are left unsaid. Often in life, we tend to speak too much and too carelessly. Think before you hurt someone and leave some words unsaid when necessary.

4. Saudade: (n.) the feeling of longing, melancholy, or nostalgia.

This word is from the Portugeuse and Galician languages and has no direct translation in English. However, it is still an interesting word that reminds us that sometimes it is okay to long for the past. As long as your head and heart are facing forward, it is all right to look to the past and remember and smile (shameless Blink-182 plug).

5. Kilig: (n.) the feeling of butterflies in one's stomach.

This word comes from the Philippine culture. We all know what this feels like, and now we can actually refer to it with a word. Never lose your sense of excitement and never let fear hold you back from something that makes your stomach swoon.

6. Namaste: (exclamation) a respectful greeting.

Namaste is a Hindi word that has roots in Sanskrit. With the rise of yogi culture in the United States, I feel like we often hear and use "namaste" without fully understanding its meaning (for example, "Namaste in bed" really just has no relation to the word besides comedic aspects). This gesture reflects the belief that a Divine spark is within all of us and is a way of acknowledging the soul in the self by the soul in another. Nama means bow, as means I, and te means you. Thus, Namaste means “bow me you” or “I bow to you.”

7. Orenda: (n.) a mystical force present in all people that empowers them to affect the world, or to effect change in their own lives.

Orenda is an Iroquois name for this spiritual power inherent in all people (oʊrɛndə). You possess endless internal power. Remember this and never feel useless or unimportant.

8. Serein: (n.) fine rain falling after sunset from a sky in which no clouds are visible.

With origins in the French language, this word reflects the feeling of evening serenity that results from the rain that falls when no clouds are present. I think it should remind us all of feelings of peace.

9. Sunyata: (n.) emptiness; voidness; openness.

While this may sound like a very negative definition, this word has roots in Sanskrit and is central to the Buddhist religion. It is the true reality of all worldly existences (people, things, and the self). Sunyata is the ability to disentangle the self from attachments and thus from being unsatisfied and disappointed. By not associating profound meaning to certain people and things (realizing everything is fluid and in reality, empty of the associations we give them), we erase the unhappiness that results from high expectations.

10. Marahuyo: (adj.) to be enchanted.

Allow yourself to be swept away by the beauty and enchantment of the world around us.

11. Wanderlust: (n.) a strong desire to travel.

This one may be the most popular on the list, but I still think it is an important one. Adventure is out there. Never stop looking for it.

12. Bodhi: (n.) enlightenment; awakening.

Also a Sanskrit term, this is the ultimate happiness. To rid the self of ego, the need for possessions, and attachments to other things, is the ultimate way to achieve awakening or happiness. Believe in yourself and the power that you have within yourself and you can have the strength to listen to your heart and be the happiest you can be.

Always continue to seek out new things and work towards the best you that you can be! Use language for beauty, not for destruction.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

18417
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7833
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5730
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4970
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments