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

My friend Brenda describes it as “numinous,” and that alone is reason to keep it even if it doesn’t fit this body.

From Time

They have had a spiritual or numinous or paranormal experience at some point in their own lives.

From The Daily Beast

JML: Well, they reveal that he lived in a numinous world where there were forces all around him.

From The Daily Beast