Are you a fan of beautiful words that jolt you with inspiration?
If so, this is the post for you.
My name is Gregory Venvonis. I’m a blogger, fiction author, and logophile at heart.
I put together this post in my spare time because I also love finding new ways to be inspired and share that inspiration with others.
Ideally, this list of beautiful words, complete with their corresponding meanings and etymology, will also give you a fresh way to explain your life and experiences!
Beautiful words in English and their meanings
Sonorous
Definition: Sonorous (adj.) – Imposingly deep and full.
Word origin: English from the Latin root word sonor.
Ethereal
Definition: Ethereal (adj.) – relating to the outer regions of space; heavenly.
Word origin: English
Halcyon
Definition: Halcyon (adj.) – characterized by happiness or prosperity.
Word origin: English from the Greek word halkyōn.
Cherish
Definition: Cherish (v.) – to hold something dear or lovingly.
Word origin: English.
Melliferous
Definition: Melliferous (adj.) – having or yielding honey; honey-producing.
Word origin: English from the Latin root (mellifer).
Curvaceous
Definition: Curvaceous (adj.) – having an attractive curved shape, especially of a woman’s body.
Word origin: English.
Resplendency
Definition: Respledency (n.) – To shine brightly; showy splendor
Word origin: English from the Latin root (resplendere).
Zephyr
Definition: Zephyr (n.) – a soft, gentle breeze.
Word origin: Old English.
Epiphany
Definition: Epiphany (n.) – a life-changing realization or revelation.
Word origin: English from the Greek word epiphaneia.
Whimsical
Definition: Whimsical (adj.) – Playfully overimaginative, especially in an amusing way.
Word origin: English.
Tranquility
Definition: Tranquility (n.) – The state of being calm and everything being fine.
Word origin: English.
Euneirophrenia
Definition: Euneirophrenia (n.) – The happy state of mind one has after a pleasant dream
Word origin: Ancient Greek [eu- (good), oneiro- (dream)]
Ephemeral
Definition: Ephemeral (adj.) – Lasting for a short period of time; day-lasting.
Word origin: English from the Greek word ephēmeros.
Quintessential
Definition: Quintessential (adj.) – perfectly representational of a thing.
Word origin: English from the Latin phrase quinta essentia.
Serendipity
Definition: Serendipity (n.) – the phenomenon of events by chance yielding positive results; happy accident.
Word origin: English, coined by Horace Walpole
Beautiful words in Latin and their meanings
Aurum
Definition: Aurum (n.) – gold.
Word origin: Latin.
Crepusculum
Definition: Crepusculum (n.) – twilight; dusk.
Word origin: Latin.
Diaphanus
Definition: Diaphanus (adj.) – light; almost completely transparent or translucent.
Word origin: Medieval Latin from the Greek word diaphanēs.
Sesquipedalis
Definition: Sesquipedalis (n.) – a foot-and-a-half or a yard.
Word origin: Latin.
Magnopere
Definition: Magnopere (adv.) – greatly or largely.
Word origin: Latin.
Tintinnabulum
Definition: Tintinnabulum (n.) – a small, pretty bell; set of small bells playing together as one.
Word origin: Latin.
Iusiurandum
Definition: Iusiurandum (n.) – an oath.
Word origin: Classical Latin.
Beautiful words in French and their meanings
Quatervois
Definition: Quatervois (n.) – A critical decision, crossroads, or turning point in one’s life.
Word origin: French (four + voie)
Renaissance
Definition: Renaissance (n.) – Rebirth or revival.
Word origin: French from the Latin root renasci.
Note: The Renaissance also refers to a monumental period in 14th – 17th century Europe, During this time there was revival of classical art, literature, and the birth of modern science.
Beautiful words with dark meanings
Umbra
Definition: Umbra (n.) – Shade, or shadow; a dark area.
Word origin: Latin
Stygian
Definition: Stygian (n.) – very dark and gloomy.
Word origin: English (aspectus)
Lachrymose
Definition: Lachrymose (adj.) – tearful or given into tears.
Word origin: English from the Latin root lacrimosus.
Nyctophilia
Definition: Nyctophilia (n.) – The state of finding comfort and relaxation in darkness; attraction to darkness.
Word origin: Greek.
Beautiful words in Japanese and their meanings
Japanese is a language full of words that not only sound cool but have deep meanings as well.
These beautiful Japanese words will be sure to inspire you.
Yūgen
Definition: Yūgen (n.) – the profound and mysterious feeling of the beauty towards the universe.
Word origin: Traditional Japanese aesthetics.
Note: Yūgen is one of the seven Zen aesthetic principles for achieving Wabi-Sabi or the mindful approach to everyday life.
Itadakimasu
Definition: Itadakimasu is a word phrase that means “I humbly receive” in the context of receiving a meal and appreciating the work put into creating the meal.
Word origin: Japanese.
Gussuri
Definition: Gussuri (adj.) – sleeping soundly; fast asleep.
Word origin: Japanese.
Ashiteru
Definition: Ashiteru is a word phrase that means “I love you.”
Word origin: Japanese.
Note: Ashitery is gender-neutral but can be made gender-specific by saying “ashiteru yo” (male) or “ahsiteru wa” (female).
Komorebi
Definition: Komorebi (n.) – sunlight that filters through the leaves of trees; the interplay between light and when leaves when sunlight shines through trees.
Word origin: Japanese.
Beautiful words you didn’t know existed
Novalunosis
Definition: Novalunosis (n.) – the state of relaxation and wonderment experienced while gazing upon the stars.
Word origin: The Vowlenu Lexicon
