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Gracious Word: Numinous

3/12/2014

 
Numinous
Word every Gracious Individual should know: Numinous

Definition: 
Numinous; Pronounced (nU-mi-nus); Latin; adjective
1. Describing an experience that makes you fearful yet fascinated, awed yet attracted--the powerful, personal feeling of being overwhelmed and inspired. 

Why I love this word:
This word alone sounds powerful and inspiring, almost like a spell from Harry Potter, but it's the definition that strikes me the most. There are few things in this world that can inspire such an emotion that merits a description of numinous. To some it maybe religion or God, to others it may be the birth of their child, it could be witnessing a miracle, or being part of a momentous moment in history, it could even be as simple as gazing at the stars on a clear summer night without any hinderance from city lights where every star is fully exposed. It is an experience that remains with us even years ahead--it is an event that impacts us and inspires us. It is a completely personal experience that is not the same for anyone else, for it is something that is experienced with our own heart not with our mind. Numinous experiences do not happen everyday but should be cherished for the impact and felling that they give us when they do arrive in our lives. 

Photograph by Andrea


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    Gracious Words

    With the Word of the Day and the Monthly Book Club, this page is for the intellectual reader or for anyone who wants to improve their vocabulary.

    As intellectuals, having a remarkable vocabulary speaks measures. Knowing the right words sharpens communication skills and opens minds to help express ourselves better whether in our personal or professional lives. Practice these Words of the Day and join in on the conversation. 


    Unless indicated ©Mariya Dondonyan, most photos on this page are works of other photographers. I believe in giving credit where credit is due, so every post recognizes the source where the photographs were found. If at anytime you see work that is improperly recognized, please send me a quick note and I will update the information. 
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