ennui
|en/nui|
C1
🇺🇸
/ɑːnˈwiː/
🇬🇧
/ɒnˈwiː/
boredom, listlessness
Etymology
Etymology Information
'ennui' originates from French, specifically the word 'ennui', where 'en-' meant 'in' and 'nui' meant 'annoyance'.
Historical Evolution
'ennui' changed from the Old French word 'enui' and eventually became the modern English word 'ennui'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'annoyance or displeasure', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'boredom or listlessness'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.
He succumbed to ennui during the long, uneventful summer.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/02/09 22:06