ennui
AHN-wee
/ɒnˈwiː/
A feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.
Refers specifically to a sophisticated, existential boredom often associated with luxury or having seen everything life has to offer.
The story behind the word. Ennui was imported directly from French into English in the 18th century. It traces back to Late Latin 'inodiare', formed from 'in-' (upon) and 'odium' (hatred). It shares its origin with the English verb 'annoy', though ennui retained its stylish French literary flair.
Word relationships
- boredom: Boredom is general and everyday, while ennui carries a psychological or existential weight.
- melancholy: Melancholy focuses on sadness, whereas ennui focuses on listless dissatisfaction.
- exhilaration: Exhilaration is a feeling of intense excitement and energy.
- vigor: Vigor implies active physical and mental vitality.
Commonly confused with
- envy: Envy means wanting what someone else has; ennui means deep spiritual boredom.
Collocations
- profound ennui
- existential ennui
- succumb to ennui
- overcome with ennui
Idioms & expressions
- stifled by ennui
Example sentences
- "The wealthy heir was consumed by a profound sense of ennui despite having every privilege at his fingertips." Literature
- "A pervading ennui settled over the aristocrats as summer dragged on endlessly." Cultural critique
Memory hook
AHN-wee sounds like saying 'ON WE go...' in a heavy, exhausted sigh through life. Fancy French boredom.
When not to use
Do not use to describe simple boredom caused by waiting in a short line; it implies a deeper soul-weariness.
Fun facts
- Ennui and the common English word 'annoy' are etymological twins that split centuries ago.
Explore more words
apathetic, restless, melancholy, shiftless, disquiet, disillusioned
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