nostalgic

[ no-stal-jiknuh‑ ]

adjective

1. experiencing or exhibiting nostalgia, a sentimental or wistful yearning for the happiness felt in a former place, time, or situation.

Other Words From

• nos·talgi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of nostalgic¹

nostalg(ia) + -ic

Example Sentences

With tropical flair, the performance kicked off the three-hour spectacle, which brought the audience to its feet, tears to winners’ faces and nostalgic moments.

From Los Angeles Times

And they hold onto a nostalgic view for the way American life was in the 1950s, when there were half as many people, and nearly 90% of them were white.

From Salon

They consciously deployed the nostalgic language of feudalism as a political smokescreen to obscure their moves to consolidate the cultural, political and economic power that would sustain their elevated social positions and the collective ascendancy of their race.

From Salon

“The colors and sepia-toned aesthetic of the intro set a cozy, nostalgic tone that aligns so well with the fall season, making it feel like a quintessential autumn show.”

From Los Angeles Times

In a late afternoon rally at an arena in Reading, Trump waxed nostalgic about his time on the national stage, while continuing to rail against an establishment he accused of conspiring to keep him from power.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• regretful
• sentimental
• wistful