10 Unusual Words With Beautiful Meanings

Have you ever wanted to describe a feeling or phenomenon, but been at a loss at to what word to use? 

All too often we can get stuck in a rut using the same words over and over, and there are even some words missing from the English language that we desperately need. By failing to make good use of the wide vocabulary available to us, we miss out on the communicative impact of the most beautiful words that different global languages have to offer to us.

To give you some inspiration, we’ve compiled a list of some unusual words with beautiful meanings – do any of these words fit the bill for something you have tried to describe?

Serendipity

Noun: English [Ser-en-dip-i-tee]

One of the most beautiful words in the English language, and one that is very rarely used is ‘serendipity’.

You may have heard this word before, but do you know what it means?

The word is used to describe when you find something good without looking for it.

Eudaimonia

Noun: Greek [U-day-mo-nay-a]

You know that happy, peaceful feeling when you’re away on holiday, travelling the world?

There’s a word for that.

‘Eudaimonia’ is a Greek word which describes the contented state you feel when you travel. Your horizons have been opened and you feel tranquil.

Sonder

Noun: English [Saun-der]

When you’re sitting on the bus or in a waiting room, people-watching, you might very well have experienced ‘sonder.’

This is when you have a realisation that the random people around you are also living vivid and complex lives.

Everyone around you has thoughts and feelings, memories and experiences, likes and dislikes, and relationships that are not instantly obvious to you. ‘Sonder’ is when this realisation actually hits you.

Querencia

Adjective: Spanish [Kwi-ren-cha]

This word describes a place where you feel safe and at home.

So, wherever it is, whether it’s snuggled up in your duvet or hanging out a friend’s house, if you feel safe and at home there, you can use the word ‘querencia’ to describe it.

Retrouvailles

Noun: French [Reh-true-vay]

Maybe you’ve been away on a business trip. Or perhaps you’ve moved away from home and you’re visiting your parents again after several months. You probably have had a strong sense of joy and relief when you’ve seen your loved ones again.

‘Retrouvailles’ describes that feeling of happiness you experience when you are reunited with someone you are close with after a considerable time apart.

Mudita

Noun: Sanskrit [Moo-dee-ta]

Have you ever felt happiness purely because someone else is happy? When your friends and family get married, win a competition, or announce they’re expecting a baby, you’ve probably felt this way.

Coming from the ancient language of Sanskrit comes ‘mudita’, which means taking delight in the happiness of other people.

Komorebi

Noun: Japanese [Ko-mo-ray-bee]

The next on our list of most beautiful words hails from Japan.

‘Komorebi’ is used to describe when sunlight filters through the gaps between trees.

Next time you’re out in the wilderness and can see streaks of sunlight peeking through the branches, you’ll remember this beautiful word and be able to appreciate the beauty of the scene even more.

Meraki

Verb: Greek [May-ra-kee]

Great works of art or timeless, emotional pieces of music are imbued with the passion or love of the individual who created them.

The Greek word ‘meraki’ describes the action of leaving a piece of yourself in your work. You carry out the piece of work with soul and creativity, and it is reflected when people stand back to appreciate the work.

Ubuntu

Noun: Nguni, Southern Africa [Oo-boon-too]

The final word on our compilation of most beautiful words is ‘ubuntu.

This is the belief that your actions toward others, showing kindness and compassion, is what defines you.

Hygge

Noun: Danish [Hou-geh]

Cosy blankets. Warming candles. Relaxing with friends. All your worries melting away. These are all considered ‘hygge’.

‘Hygge’ is when you take pleasure from and are able to appreciate gentle and soothing things. It’s being surrounded by things that make you feel cosy and comfortable, which then engender feelings of contentment.

Expand Your Vocabulary!

We’re unsure if any of these words are going to fall into mainstream use (neologism), but we feel that chucking them into everyday use can be a little quirky and then you can impress everyone with how beautiful the meaning is.

Global Language Services are passionate about the power of communication and ensuring that you can effectively communicate to others, no matter what your mother tongue is.

Enhancing your vocabulary with words like these will boost your ability to communicate your thoughts and feelings to others.

Whilst it’s easy to learn and employ these unusual words with beautiful meanings, you might need greater assistance communicating with others in different situations.

Global Language Services offer interpreting and translation services, as well as language tuition that may be of use to you. Contact us to see what we can do for you.