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A loanword is a term taken from another language to describe something that doesn't have an exact equivalent in English. Here’s a list of the ten most frequently used loanwords.
10. Ennui Pronunciation: on-wee
Originating from French. A profound sense of boredom that affects the soul.
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Originating from German. The pleasure derived from the misfortune of others.
8. WanderlustPronunciation:
Originating from German. A deep, irresistible urge to travel or explore the world.
7. SehnsuchtPronunciation: sane-zookt
From German. A deeply nostalgic longing for something unattainable, something or someone from a time or place that seems beyond reach.
6. SaudadePronunciation: saw-the-th?
From Portuguese. A yearning for something or someone cherished, lost but with the hope of its return, though you realize deep down that it might never happen.
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From German. The spectral counterpart of a living individual.
4. WeltschmerzPronunciation: velt-shmeartz
From German. The emotional suffering experienced by one who realizes that physical existence cannot fully fulfill the desires of the mind. A deep, melancholic anguish concerning the nature of being.
3. ZeitgeistPronunciation: zight-gihst
From German. A concept that embodies the spirit or mood of a particular period in history.
2. Ad HominemPronunciation: add om-in-im
From Latin. Countering an argument or factual statement by attacking the individual who made it, rather than addressing the argument itself.
1. Déjà vuPronunciation: day-zha voo
From French. The feeling of having experienced or heard something before, as if it's happening for the first time.
Contributor: JT
