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ennui

noun

/ɒnˈwiː/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of ennui

A feeling of weariness, dissatisfaction, and restlessness that arises from a lack of interest in one's current circumstances.
"He struggled with ennui, longing for something more exciting in his life."

Detailed meaning of ennui

It is a feeling of being bored or unfulfilled with life, and can be accompanied by a sense of apathy or listlessness. Ennui implies a sense of discontent and lack of motivation, often resulting from a sense of monotony or lack of purpose. It can be used to describe a person's emotional state, and it's often associated with the feeling of being stuck in a rut and not knowing how to get out of it.

In everyday language, ennui is often used to describe a feeling of weariness, dissatisfaction, and restlessness that arises from a lack of interest in one's current circumstances. It is a feeling of being bored or unfulfilled with life and can be accompanied by a sense of apathy or listlessness.

In literature and art, it can also be used to create a sense of monotony, apathy or listlessness.

In general, Ennui is a noun that refers to a feeling of weariness, dissatisfaction, and restlessness that arises from a lack of interest in one's current circumstances. It implies a sense of discontent and lack of motivation, often resulting from a sense of monotony or lack of purpose and can be used in different contexts such as personal, artistic or societal situations where a feeling of weariness, dissatisfaction, and restlessness is present.

Example sentences containing ennui

1. The long summer days brought a sense of ennui, as there was little to do in the small town.
2. He sighed with ennui as he scrolled through his social media feed for the hundredth time that day.
3. The repetitive nature of his job led to a constant state of ennui, yearning for something more stimulating.
4. Even the picturesque scenery couldn't alleviate the ennui she felt during her solo vacation.
5. The ennui of the rainy afternoon was broken by a sudden burst of inspiration for a new project.
6. His ennui was palpable as he stared blankly at the computer screen, unable to find motivation to continue working.

History and etymology of ennui

The noun 'ennui' has its origins in French and its etymology provides insight into its meaning. It stems from the Old French word 'enui,' which means 'annoyance' or 'distaste.' This, in turn, can be traced back to the Latin word 'inodiare,' meaning 'to make odious' or 'to cause disgust.' The transition from 'enui' to 'ennui' in modern French retained the sense of dissatisfaction and weariness. When we use 'ennui' in English, we refer to a feeling of weariness, dissatisfaction, and restlessness that arises from a lack of interest or stimulation in one's current circumstances. This etymological journey from annoyance to a profound sense of discontentment captures the essence of 'ennui' as a deep and pervasive feeling of dissatisfaction with one's surroundings or situation.

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Further usage examples of ennui

1. The party failed to cure her ennui, leaving her feeling even more disconnected from the world.
2. The monotonous routine of her daily life was a breeding ground for ennui.
3. Traveling alone for weeks on end, he succumbed to a profound sense of ennui.
4. She tried to escape the ennui by immersing herself in books, but even they couldn't hold her attention.
5. The weekend getaway was supposed to be a respite from ennui, but it only magnified the feeling of emptiness.
6. The ennui of the endless meetings drained the enthusiasm of the entire team.
7. The ennui settled in during the winter months when the days were short and gray.
8. The artist's creativity was stifled by a deep-seated ennui, hindering any new artistic endeavors.
9. The ennui in her voice was evident as she described her mundane daily routine.
10. Seeking a remedy for his ennui, he decided to take up a new hobby.
11. The ennui of retirement left him searching for purpose in his newfound free time.
12. As the hours ticked by, a sense of ennui settled over the waiting room.
13. The ennui of the empty nest syndrome weighed heavily on her heart.
14. The ennui was lifted by a surprise visit from an old friend, injecting excitement into her otherwise dull day.