english word · 2026-05-21
alexithymia
noun
Meaning
The inability to identify and describe emotions in oneself or others. It is often described as a state of being 'tone-deaf' to the language of feelings.
Etymology
Coined in the 1970s from Greek: 'a-' (lack), 'lexis' (word), and 'thymos' (soul or emotion).
Examples
"His alexithymia made it difficult for him to explain why the sunset sparked a subtle ache in his chest."
"Through poetry, she sought to bridge the gap created by her alexithymia, finding words for the sensations she couldn't name."
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