english word · 2026-09-05

Sonder

noun

Meaning

The profound feeling of realizing that everyone, even a random passerby, is living a life as vivid and complex as one's own. It involves the awareness that others possess their own ambitions, friends, routines, and worries.

Etymology

Coined in 2012 by John Koenig for The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, derived from German 'sondern' (but, rather) and French 'sonder' (to fathom).

Examples

"A sudden wave of sonder overcame her as she watched the thousands of glowing windows in the city skyline at dusk."

"Sitting in the busy terminal, he felt a sense of sonder, imagining the intricate stories behind each traveler rushing to their gates."

A new word every day

Get a beautiful english word in your inbox every morning. Free.

Subscribe →