numinous

[ noo-muh-nuhs, nyoo- ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or like a numen; spiritual or supernatural.
2. surpassing comprehension or understanding; mysterious:

   that element in artistic expression that remains numinous.

3. arousing one's elevated feelings of duty, honor, loyalty, etc.:

   a benevolent and numinous paternity.

numinous

/ ˈnjuːmɪnəs /

adjective

1. denoting, being, or relating to a numen; divine
2. arousing spiritual or religious emotions
3. mysterious or awe-inspiring

Word History and Origins

Origin of numinous¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin nūmin- (stem of nūmen ) numen + -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of numinous¹

C17: from Latin numin-, numen + -ous

Example Sentences

What they made me think of, instead, was the 19th century, and in particular the paintings of Winslow Homer, who depicted the sea often, giving it a numinous quality that could be dangerous or comradely.

From New York Times

Similarly, the sense of the numinous, of potencies beyond human understanding, is made explicit and manifest, particularly in an early conversation about dark energy.

From New York Times

The fruit in those same kitchens looked numinous in the morning light.

From Washington Post

The numinous experience, the thrills, they have always been near at hand.

From New York Times

The creaky Romantic fantasy of the numinous artist, isolated from mundane labors, turning her back on the modern world to get in touch with higher truths, is on display.

From Los Angeles Times