Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /nɒˈstældʒə/
KK: /nɑˈstældʒə/
Definition
A feeling of longing or sadness for things or times from the past, often with a sense of warmth or fondness.
Example
Listening to old songs always brings a sense of nostalgia for my childhood.
Conversation

Do you ever feel a sense of nostalgia when you look at old photos?

All the time! They really take me back to those fun times we had.

Yeah, it's crazy how a single picture can bring back so many memories of our childhood.

Exactly! It's like a little time capsule filled with nostalgia.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
wistfulness
reminiscence
homesickness
Antonyms
indifference
apathy
disregard
Root Explanation
Nostalgia is formed from "nostos" (meaning return home) and "algos" (meaning pain or ache). The word describes the pain or longing one feels for returning home or for the past.
Memory Tip
Imagine feeling a deep 'ache' ('algos') for 'home' ('nostos') — that's what nostalgia means, a longing for the past.
Visually Confused Words
ostalgia
notalgia
ostealgia
costalgia
otalgia
notalia
notalgic