nostalgic
UK: /nɒˈstældʒɪk/ | US: /nɑːˈstældʒɪk/
adj. feeling or evoking a sentimental longing for the past
adj. relating to or characterized by nostalgia
nostalgic = nost<home> + alg<pain> + ic<adjective suffix>
- nost<home>: From Greek nostos (return home).
- alg<pain>: From Greek algos (pain).
- ic<adjective suffix>: Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives.
Etymology Origin:
Coined in 1688 by Swiss physician Johannes Hofer, combining Greek nostos (homecoming) and algos (pain) to describe the homesickness of soldiers. Over time, it expanded from literal homesickness to a sentimental longing for the past. The suffix -ic standardizes it as an adjective.
The old photograph made her feel deeply nostalgic.
He grew nostalgic when he heard the song from his childhood.
The film’s setting was deliberately nostalgic for the 1950s.
She wrote a nostalgic letter about her hometown.
The smell of fresh bread triggered a nostalgic memory.