english word · 2026-10-06
saudade
noun
Meaning
A deep emotional state of nostalgic or profound melancholic longing for an absent something or someone that one cares for and loves. It often carries the knowledge that the object of longing might never return.
Etymology
Derived from the Portuguese word 'saudade', originating from the Latin 'solitudo' meaning solitude.
Examples
"As she looked at the faded photograph of her childhood home, a wave of saudade washed over her."
"The haunting melody of the cello perfectly captured the saudade of a love lost to time."
A new word every day
Get a beautiful english word in your inbox every morning. Free.
Subscribe →