We can be happy when we’re pleased with how something has gone or a certain event in our life. We can be sad when something bad has happened that’s made us feel inadequate or down. However, did you know some words mean you can experience both at the same time?
What Word Is Best To Describe The Feeling Of Being Happy And Sad At The Same Time?
Bittersweet is the best word to describe the feeling of being happy and sad at the same time. There are other choices, which we will cover, but bittersweet works perfectly to cover both emotions (“bitter” showing sadness and “sweet” showing happiness).
We’ll cover the words in slightly more detail as we go through the article, but the words you’ll see are:
- Bittersweet
- Tragicomic
- Rueful
- Ambivalent
- Emotional
Bittersweet
The Cambridge Dictionary can help us with the definition of “bittersweet.” It is used to mean something “containing a mixture of sadness and happiness.”
A person can feel bittersweet for several reasons, but it’s the perfect example of a word that shows the mixed emotions one feels when they’re going through a hard time in their life while also feeling happy about something.
Both happy and sad are contradicting emotions, but that doesn’t mean you’re not able to feel both of them simultaneously. In fact, it’s more of a common feeling than you might realize.
The bittersweet feeling you get when you’re happy about something can arise for a number of reasons, for example:
- If you won an event by accidentally cheating or tarnishing the competitor’s chances somehow.
- If you recently lost a loved one but came into some really good news.
- If something positive happened to you and not your friend, but you really wished it happened to you both.
These are just some of the ways we can see bittersweet emotions in our lives. You’ve more than likely come across it once or twice, and it’s a difficult feeling to explain.
Tragicomic
The Cambridge Dictionary gives us a definition of tragicomedy as “a (type of) play or story that is both sad and funny.” This definition is extended to “tragicomic,” which means it relates to this same sensation you get from the play or story.
A situation often seems more tragicomic, rather than it being a direct emotional you feel. However, it’s still possible to experience a tragicomic emotion of some kind.
If you have a tragicomic feeling or sensation, it’s usually because you’re already sad for some reason, but you found something ridiculously funny. The other incident is where something is so sad you can’t help but laugh, and that laughter often helps ease your sadness a little.
It’s not the best synonym for bittersweet, but it’s definitely one of the more closely related words to it that we can use. It’s also a great word to include in your vocabulary should you ever feel the need to say it.
Not many people have heard of tragicomic as a word before, so you could impress a few people.
Rueful
The Cambridge Dictionary refers to “rueful” as “feeling sorry and wishing that something had not happened.” If you look at the example they provide, it shows someone giving a “rueful laugh,” and this shows that “rueful” is used mostly in a dry and humorous way.
Generally, if we’re writing the word “rueful” in text, it comes before words like “smile” or “laugh.” It’s used in a humorous way to show that we wished something didn’t have to happen the way that it did, but there’s nothing we can do now but laugh at the situation.
Sometimes, that same feeling is applicable to normal life. Say you’re at a funeral for a loved one, and you remember something funny that the two of you did together. Sure, you shouldn’t be laughing at a funeral, but now you’re so overcome with rueful emotion you don’t know what else to do.
That’s generally when we would use “rueful” as an emotion. It shows that we’re sorry or apologetic for an outcome, but we often have to laugh at either the outcome or ourselves before it sends us spiraling into despair.
Ambivalent
Here, The Cambridge Dictionary uses a great definition for the word “ambivalent.” It means “having two opposing feelings at the same time, or being uncertain about how you feel.”
While a feeling of ambivalence doesn’t strictly have to apply to happiness and sadness (it could be calmness and anger, for example), it works as a great synonym for bittersweet. In fact, it’s probably the best word on this list besides bittersweet that works as a way to show two contrasting emotions.
On top of that, it’s a great word to include in your vocabulary. Not many people are familiar with a word as powerful as this, and it will show how well you understand your meaning if you get a chance to use it.
A feeling of ambivalence can appear anywhere in life. We typically use it when we’re not able to process our emotions, leading us to a state where we’re not entirely sure which of the two opposing emotions we feel.
It creates this idea of emotional limbo, where we’re both happy and sad. Both of those emotions cancel each other out, almost making us feel empty, or in the case of the Cambridge definition, “uncertain.”
Emotional
The Cambridge Dictionary teaches us that “emotional” means “having and expressing strong feelings.” While this doesn’t strictly imply that two contradicting emotions are felt at the same time, it works well as an alternative nonetheless.
When somebody is emotional, it’s often too difficult for that person to process their emotions and talk to you about what they’re feeling.
Significant, life-changing events can lead someone to become emotional. Say, for example, you win a lot of money in a competition that will change your life forever. Most people actually cry when they hear this news, which is a common response to sadness.
It’s this exact situation that leads the word emotional to being a really good synonym for bittersweet. When you’re so overcome with emotion, you don’t know whether to laugh or cry. If you hear bad news, you might laugh out loud; if you hear great news, you might cry happy tears. Either way, you’re so emotional that you don’t know what your body or brain is telling you!
All of the above words are an excellent way of saying you feel both happy and sad at the same time. It’s not a feeling you’ll come by often, but when you do, it’s helpful to have these words in your arsenal ready to use.
It also helps to expand your ability to write really impressive stories. If you’re able to have a strong handle on emotions in a novel, then people will be amazed at your writing skills and descriptive abilities.
Examples Of When You Can Feel Happy And Sad At The Same Time
While it’s great to know all of the words you can use to explain this feeling, that’s not enough. It’ll help if you also know when situations might occur that might lead you to feel bittersweet or ambivalent.
Graduating
Graduating is a huge event in any student’s life. It’s such a happy moment for most people because it means they’re turning over to the next page of their life and exploring new options.
However, graduation is often sad because it means saying goodbye to old friends and knowing that you most likely won’t see them again.
Changing Jobs
Just like graduation, changing a job in life is often seen as a huge milestone. If you’ve made the decision to further your career, then that will have a massive impact on your life and change you for the better. Usually, it’s a happy day.
However, it can be difficult to let go of the past. It can also be hard to say goodbye to colleagues, especially those that you consider friends. That’s what leads to these bittersweet moments in life.
Having A Baby
Having a baby is by far one of the most exciting and happy moments in any parent’s life. It’s the time to take on new responsibilities and start up a family with the people that you love.
However, having a baby also leads new parents to ask sad questions like whether they’re good enough to be a good parent or whether they’re right for the baby. This emotional back and forth leads to some serious bittersweet sensations.
Beating A Friend (Sporting Event)
Beating a friend in a competition is a great way to show that you’ve earned your spot in the podium position. However, we often want to encourage our friends to be the best versions of themselves and need to push each other to get there.
While beating a friend can be exciting and lead to happiness; you may also take away their own pride, which is an unhappy sensation at the same time. There’s a very fine balance between these things.
You may also like:
10 Better Ways To Say “Happy” In English
10 Words For Being Sad And Beautiful At The Same Time
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
I’m looking for a word that means feeling both happy and sad at the same time. Here’s a sentence I’d like to use it in:
«At least we got one vote,» she said with a (word I’m looking for) smile.
cobaltduck
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asked Feb 17, 2015 at 13:27
1
Bittersweet:
- producing or expressing a mixture of pain and pleasure: a movie with a bittersweet ending.
- pleasant but tinged with sadness.
- a bittersweet smile.
(TFD)
answered Feb 17, 2015 at 13:31
1
While somewhat broader than happy/sad, you could say ambivalent.
Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone:
Some loved her, some hated her, few were ambivalent about her.
jimm101
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answered Feb 17, 2015 at 14:03
bibbib
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The dictionary on my Mac defines rueful as
expressing sorrow or regret, especially in a wry or humorous way: she
gave a rueful grin
which fits OP’s sentence quite well.
answered Mar 1, 2020 at 20:13
Melancholic! Bittersweet more exact.
jimm101
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answered May 15, 2020 at 17:46
Not exactly what the OP’s looking for but tragicomic also describes both happy and sad feelings at the same time.
Tragicomic (adj): Something that is tragicomic is both sad and amusing at the same time.
Example: This was a tragicomic story of human frailty.
— Collins dictionary
Or ambivalent.
Ambivalent (adj): Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.
Example: an ambivalent attitude to Europe.
— Lexico
answered May 15, 2020 at 20:02
Decapitated SoulDecapitated Soul
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«At least we got one vote,» she said with a wan smile.
You could also use feeble.
answered Oct 7, 2021 at 18:27
Table of contents:
- What’s the word for being happy and sad?
- What is the word for mixed emotions?
- What is happiness and sadness?
- What is happy sad?
- What is a word for sad and angry at the same time?
- What things make sad?
- What is a good word for sad?
What’s the word for being happy and sad?
Saudade
Saudade describes a feeling both happy and sad, and might be most closely related to the English expression ‘bitter sweet’.
What is the word for mixed emotions?
synonyms for with mixed feelings ambiguous. ambivalent. dubious. evasive. muddled.
What is happiness and sadness?
Both happiness and sadness are primary emotions. We experience these emotions from time to time. Happiness is the most positive emotion which is also associated with satisfaction, contentment, and joy while sadness is characterised by feelings like disappointment, grief, shame, and hopelessness.
What is happy sad?
The meaning of «happy sad» » Happy sad » Meaning: A bittersweet feeling combining both happiness and sadness. Example: Dad won the Bafta for best actor but was too ill to collect it, so I’m happy sad about that.
What is a word for sad and angry at the same time?
It’s unusual to see someone display anger and sadness at the same time. Without further context, I can suggest «sullen«, which implies a silent and gloomy irritation.
What things make sad?
What makes you sad?
- Clutter. It makes you sad because you don’t use it and even though you try to keep it organized, it makes your life feel chaotic. …
- Clothes and shoes. They make you sad because they don’t fit and make your feet hurt. …
- The news. …
- Helplessness. …
- The past. …
- Trauma. …
- Your job. …
- People.
What is a good word for sad?
1 unhappy, despondent, disconsolate, discouraged, gloomy, downcast, downhearted, depressed, dejected, melancholy.
Plan
- 1 What is a word for feeling happy and sad at the same time?
- 2 What is the word for missing something you never had?
- 3 Which is the closest synonym for the word nostalgia?
- 4 Why do I like nostalgia so much?
- 5 Why do bad memories keep coming back?
Saudade describes both happy and sad at the same time, which is most closely translated to the English saying ‘bitter sweet’. Nascimento and Meandro (2005) cite Duarte Nunes Leão’s definition of saudade: “Memory of something with a desire for it.”
Is sappy sad and happy?
The slang term “sappy” means experiencing the emotions of being sad and happy simultaneously, while not knowing which one to be because the emotion overwhelms you. In its slang form, “sappy” can also mean being sickeningly sweet in a romantic sense or extremely lame.
What’s the word for not happy or sad?
If you are not actually feeling good OR bad, you are feeling “indifferent” or “apathetic”….
What is the word for missing something you never had?
The beautiful thing about the term saudade is that everyone’s definition is different. If I miss something from the past that could never exist again, it’s saudade. A yearning for something illusionary that may never materialize is saudade. So yes, it is possible to miss something you’ve never had….
Why do we feel Anemoia?
Invented by writer John Koenig, anemoia is defined as nostalgia for a time you’ve never known. While it makes sense to get old heartwarming tendencies when you look back at things that remind you of your past, I find myself at a loss as to why I get nostalgic about some of the things I do….
What is nostalgia for the future?
In this article, it takes the form of a “nostalgia for the future,” a temporally-misoriented concept that is both a nostalgia for that which has yet to happen but feels as though it already has, and a nostalgia utilized for future revolutionary gain, a phenomenon best exemplified by Doris Lessing’s Martha Quest (1952)….
Which is the closest synonym for the word nostalgia?
nostalgia
- longing.
- remorse.
- sentimentality.
- wistfulness.
- yearning.
- homesickness.
- reminiscence.
- schmaltz.
Whats the opposite of nostalgia?
What is the opposite of nostalgia?
| boredom | certainty |
|---|---|
| dullness | fact |
| reality | safety |
| surety | truth |
Is nostalgia positive or negative?
Summary: While generally associated with positive feeling, nostalgia is actually a mixed emotion. When experienced over the course of daily life, nostalgia is predominantly a negative emotion. For years, research has shown that nostalgia is a primarily positive emotion that can lift people’s spirits….
Why do I like nostalgia so much?
It brings people closer together. Remembering these good moments reminds you of why you’re together in the first place, and it only serves to strengthen your bond. “Nostalgia increases feelings of social connectedness to others,” said psychology professor Clay Routledge, Ph….
Why do I get so much nostalgia?
While you might think nostalgia gives you all the warm-and-fuzzy feels, recent research shows that unhappiness triggers nostalgia, too. A new study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology reported that spending a good portion of every day mired in the past is associated with negative feelings….
Why do we revisit the past?
Revisiting the past can make the present a better place: The psychological and social benefits of nostalgia. For centuries nostalgia was viewed as an illness of the brain or mind. Instead, this research demonstrates that nostalgia is good for psychological health and helps people cope with adversity.
Why do bad memories keep coming back?
Everyone has memories they would rather forget, and they may know the triggers that bring them bouncing back. Bad memories can underlie a number of problems, from post-traumatic stress disorder to phobias. When an unwanted memory intrudes on the mind, it is a natural human reaction to want to block it out.
Why do I keep remembering random memories?
this likely happens because some cue in your environment, or some aspect of a thought you were just having, was connected in some way to the sudden involuntary memory recall that you experience. Yes, it is thought that memories experience a certain degree of volatility during recall….
How do you let go of the past and be happy?
Living in the Past? 7 Ways to Let Go and Live a Happy Life
- Let the Emotions Flow. “Cry.
- Don’t Let Negative Thoughts Cloud Your Mind. Allow yourself to express your emotions, but don’t dwell on them.
- Learn From Your Experience. Take away the positives from past experiences.
- Stop Being the Victim.
- Don’t Wait for an Apology.
- Expand Your View of Yourself.
- Live in the Moment.
Saudade describes both happy and sad at the same time, which is most closely translated to the English saying ‘bitter sweet’.
When someone makes you the happiest person and the saddest person at the same time?
“When someone makes you the happiest person and the saddest person at the same time, that’s when it’s real. That’s when it’s worth something.” ♡ Find this Pin and more on Inspiring quotes , love quotes and everything in between.
What is difference between sad and angry?
Sadness is a very internal feeling in which we don’t show strong emotions. Also, feelings of sadness usually last for a longer time. It always makes me sad when I see it. On the other hand, “angry” is used when a person or group does something bad to us and we react to that negative action.
How do I stop getting upset?
Emotionally Upset? 20 Ways to Defeat Negative Feelings
- Breathe—and Relax.
- Identify and Challenge the Thoughts Underlying Your Upset.
- Look for Positives.
- Suspend Your Point of View—and Take on the Other Person’s.
- Become More Mindful.
- Don’t Judge Yourself on the Basis of Your Feelings.
- Apply Self-compassion as Needed.
- “Take Pains” to Heal What You Feel.
What is the difference between being upset and angry?
Upset and angry are both are negative emotions, there are a few key differences: Being angry is a stronger, more aggressive emotion. When you are angry, you might want to yell, fight, or throw something. Being upset is a sadder, gentler emotion that we show. … Being very upset can lead to becoming angry.
What makes a person upset?
What causes people to get angry? There are many common triggers for anger, such as losing your patience, feeling as if your opinion or efforts aren’t appreciated, and injustice. Other causes of anger include memories of traumatic or enraging events and worrying about personal problems.
Is there a word for being happy and sad?
Saudade describes both happy and sad at the same time, which is most closely translated to the English saying ‘bitter sweet’.
What is a good synonym for Afraid?
afraid
- anxious.
- apprehensive.
- frightened.
- nervous.
- scared.
- shocked.
- suspicious.
- timid.
Which word has the strongest positive connotation for valued?
Admired is just looking up to someone. Valued is a much stronger word than admired. Valued implies that there is something worth having. Treasured is above that.
Which word is stronger mighty or strong?
Answer. Answer: The correct sequence of the words from the weakest to the strongest connotation would be ‘capable strong mighty’. Capable connotes to ‘being able or efficient’ while ‘strong’ implies the meaning ‘ability to produce or withstand powerfully’ that makes it stronger than mere ‘being capable/able’.
What is a better word for valued?
most valuable adjectivevery important; priceless. admired. appreciated. beneficial. cherished.
How do you say something is valued?
- appraise,
- assess,
- estimate,
- evaluate,
- guesstimate,
- rate,
- set,
- valuate.
How do you value someone you love?
Let’s get right into it.
- You Are Appreciated for Your Role in Their Life.
- You Don’t Have to Justify Their Actions.
- They Don’t Make You Feel Guilty for Having Other Priorities.
- They Listen to You Carefully and Respond with Compassion.
- They Ask You for Advice and Take it Seriously.
- They Respect Your Boundaries.
What is the strongest love word?
15 Words That Are Stronger Than ‘Love’ And Mean Far More
- Lust – I lust after you.
- Adore – I adore you.
- Treasure – I treasure time with you.
- Intimacy – I love our emotional intimacy.
- Trust – I trust you with my heart.
- Ally – I am your ally in life.
- Value – I value your company.
- Happy – You make me happy.
Как вы, наверняка, догадались мы собираемся обсуждать два состояния — счастья (being happy) и печали (feeling sad). У всех нас есть чувства (we all have feelings). Они являются индивидуальной составной (the individual part) нашего характера (character), которые показывают, как мы чувствуем (show the way we feel) в зависимости от ситуации (depending on situation) вокруг нас.
Наши чувства относятся к нашему эмоциональному состоянию (our emotional state), настроению (mood), расположению духа (frame of mind), темпераменту (temper), нраву (disposition), душевному состоянию (state of mind), духовному состоянию (spirit). Ко всем перечисленным словам можно прибавить два слова «good» или «bad», чтобы показать позитивное настроение (positive mood) и негативное настроение (negative mood).
Наши чувства и настроения связаны с образом мышления (the way we think), который происходит в нашем мозге (in our mind). Изучение этого предмета называется «психологией» (psychology). Наш мозг контролирует все, что мы делаем (our minds control everything we do).
Помимо наших действий, настроение также влияет на здоровье (can affect our health). Если вы чувствуете себя несчастным (feel unhappy) в течение длительного периода времени (over a long period of time), вам, скорее всего, нужно навестить врача (need to see a doctor), поскольку вы можете страдать депрессией (could be suffering from depression), что часто является следствием стресса (caused by stress) или неожиданной переменой в вашей жизни (a sudden change in your life), например, потерей работы (loss of job) или смертью близкого человека (death of a loved one).
Может, это звучит странно, но на наше настроение также влияет погода. Психологи (psychologists) обнаружили, что химический дисбаланс в мозге может стать причиной нашей печали, когда мало солнечного света (when there is little sunlight about). Те, на кого это влияет, будут чувствовать себя счастливее летом, а зимой могут погрузиться в печаль. Это заболевание даже имеет название – SAD – seasonal affected disorder.
Выражения, описывающие настроение
Удивительно (it is amazing), как наше настроение может меняться (how our moods can change) изо дня в день (day by day). Вот несколько идиом, которые вам будут интересны.
- happy as Larry – без ума от счастья
- jump for joy — прыгать от радости
- smile from ear to ear – улыбаться до ушей
- happy go lucky – беспечный, беззаботный
- on top of the world – на седьмом небе
- down in the dumps – как в воду опущенный, подавленный
- under a black cloud – в печали
- in the doldrums – хандрить, быть в депрессии
Вокруг нас много вещей, способных поднять нам настроение. Классическая музыка (а piece of classical music) может эмоционально воздействовать на нас (touch emotionally). Счастливая история может поднять нам настроение (uplift our mood) и подбодрить (cheer up). Мы часто смеемся или плачем, когда смотрим романтическое кино (romantic movie).
Англичане часто используют выражение “laughter is the best medicine” – смех – лучшее лекарство. Это означает, что если мы чувствуем себя несчастными, то чтобы избавиться от этого настроения (to get out of that mood) нужно посмотреть что-то юмористическое (watch something humorous) по телевизору, или состроить смешную рожицу в зеркало (make a funny face in the mirror), громко рассмеяться (laugh out loud).
Happiness — счастье 😀
Что говорит счастливый человек?
- I feel happy! – я счастлив!
- I feel glad! – я рад!
- I feel excited! – я взволнован!
- I never feel sad! – я не знаю печали!
- the day is alive and I feel great! – день полон жизни и я чувствую себя замечательно!
- tomorrow will be good – завтра будет хорошим
- my heart is warm with rosy glow – мое сердце наполнено розовым цветом
- I want to live — я хочу жить
- I love everything. – я все люблю
Sadness — печаль 🙁
Что говорит несчастливый человек?
- I feel down – я чувствую себя подавленным
- I feel sad – мне печально
- I feel miserable – я чувствую себя несчастным
- I really feel sad – мне на самом деле грустно
- I hate this day – ненавижу этот день
- I dislike it all – мне все противно
- my heart is down – мое сердце полно грусти
- feel like I will fall – я так себя чувствую, как будто падаю
- so grey is this world – как сер этот мир
- I am cold in this dark and gloomy life — мне холодно в этой темной и мрачной жизни
В английском языке употребление слова “sad” в неформальном контексте используется для того, чтобы сказать, что «что-то вышло из моды», или применяется к человеку, у которого нет друзей или социальной жизни.
- That style of fashion is so sad – этот стиль вышел из моды
- •He has no friends and goes nowhere – what a saddo! — у него нет друзей и он никуда не ходит – ну и дурак!
Мы можем использовать слова «happy» и «sad», а также их синонимы, чтобы показать нашу реакцию на что-то или кого-то.
— I’m really happy to meet you! – я и правда рад встретить вас!
— I’m glad to have you as my friend – я рад, что вы мой друг
— I feet brighter now you are here! – мне легче от того, что ты здесь
— I feel sad now that you have gone – мне печально от того, что ты ушел
— I feel down because I hate my job – мне печально, потому что я ненавижу свою работу
— I feel sick and my spirits are low – я чувствую себя больным и у меня плохое настроение
«Счастливые» синонимы 😀
- bright – полный надежд
- content — довольный
- cheerful – бодрящий
- elated – ликующий
- glowing – пылкий
- jolly – веселый
- joyful – радостный
- merry – веселый
- sunny – солнечный
«Печальные» синонимы 🙁
- blue – хандра
- forlorn – несчастный
- depressed – подавленный
- down – унылый
- gloomy – мрачный
- glum – угрюмый
- moody – унылый, в плохом настроении
- solemn – мрачный
- woeful – удрученный
- miserable — жалкий, несчастный
Posted byu/[deleted]4 years ago
For example, a wife watching her husband go off to war is feeling proud of him for his bravery, but is also sad that he is leaving for so long. What’s the word for that? It’s not bittersweet since the sadness isn’t necessarily bitter?
level 1
Bittersweet I think is still the definition you’re looking for:
especially : pleasure accompanied by suffering or regret
level 2
love that word: bittersweet. 
level 2
Also, as per OP’s edit, the «bitter» portion of the word doesn’t have to literally mean the sadness is bitter.
Published April 24, 2020
If you’re happy and you know it … good for you. But sometimes the word happy just doesn’t quite describe how you’re feeling, and you need a more nuanced word to convey your emotions or the emotions of someone else.
We learn all the basic words at a young age—sad, mad, glad—but as life goes on, we realize there are many emotions that can be felt in between and beyond these words … and they don’t always rhyme either. Being able to name those feelings is important and can help us process our emotions, express them to others, and learn from them.
Here are some more complex words to consider the next time you’re having trouble describing how you’re feeling.
saudade
This noun describes a feeling that goes beyond just missing someone or something. Saudade is defined as a “deep emotional state of melancholic longing” often for something or someone that is unattainable.
The term may be traced back to Portuguese folk culture, and there’s no English word that matches its meaning exactly, but it’s akin to a mix of emotions such as nostalgia, yearning, and homesickness.
For example, you might say, “I’m filled with saudade when I think about the days when my grandmother was still alive.”
schadenfreude
Schadenfreude isn’t the kindest emotion we can find ourselves feeling, but we’re human, and schadenfreude happens.
It’s that feeling that makes you want to cheer when someone else fails or something bad happens to them. For example, you might say, “Her schadenfreude was apparent when I tripped and fell in the cafeteria.”
The word comes from German, combining Schaden, meaning “harm,” and Freude, “joy.”
misanthropic
When the morning news is filled with horror stories, you get cut off in traffic, or someone lets a door slam in your face, you may feel misanthropic, or angry at the entire human race.
The word stems from the noun misanthropy, which is defined as “a hatred, dislike or distrust of humankind.” If you express this feeling regularly, you may be deemed a misanthrope, when in fact you’re just a plain old grump.
The word can be traced back to the Greek word mīsánthrōpos, meaning “hating mankind.”
Beware: misanthropy shouldn’t be confused with misogyny (hatred of women), misandry (hatred of males), or misoneism (hatred of change or new things).
cupidity
When you experience an extreme desire for something, even if you already have enough, you may be feeling cupidity.
Similar to covetousness, it’s a noun defined as “eager or excessive desire, especially to possess something; greed; avarice.”
For example, you might say, “I’m filled with cupidity every time I see a fancy sports car driving past my boring old sedan.”
And yes, cupidity is related to Cupid, that irresistible, mythical god of love personified as a winged baby in the buff who shoots his arrows of romance. Both words ultimately come from the Latin cupere, “to wish, desire, long for.”
hygge
Feeling hygge is all about being cozy and comfortable. It’s a relatively new word we’ve borrowed from Danish around 1960-65.
We’ve adopted it in the English language as both a noun and an adjective, saying things like, “My bed, with its soft comforter and massive pile of pillows, is so hygge.”
choleric
When tensions run high and things feel out of control, you may be feeling choleric.
As an adjective, it means bad-tempered, extremely irritable, or touchy. For example, you might say to your kids, “Watch out, I’m feeling extremely choleric today, and you don’t want to test me.”
The word can be traced back to the Greek word choléra, “disease caused by bile”—enough to leave anyone feeling irritable and touchy.
delectation
A happy noun, delectation means “delight or enjoyment.” For example, you might hear someone say, “The DJ will be live-streaming an all-night party for your delectation.”
The word derives from the Latin word dēlectāre, meaning “to delight.” Delectable is also derived from this root.
nostalgic
If you’re feeling nostalgic, you’re wishing you could experience the happiness that something or someone in the past brought you.
For example, you might say, “That song makes me feel nostalgic for the skating rink where I hung out with my friends in junior high.”
The word is based on the Greek root nóstos, “a return home,” and álgos, “pain”—homesickness.