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nostalgia
Mar 27, 2026 6:16 PM

  

nostalgia1

  A woman feels nostalgic while smelling a pie Nostalgia is often triggered by familiar smells. In this case, a woman fondly remembers baking with her mother as a child. (more) nostalgia psychology Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/nostalgia Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/nostalgia Written by Laura Payne Laura Payne is a freelance writer whose work covers many topics. She is a former Wayne State University linguistics instructor. Laura Payne Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Oct 23, 2024 • Article History Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot a Question Ask the Chatbot a Question nostalgia, affectionate and often sentimental feeling experienced when remembering past times, places, and experiences, especially those with happy personal associations. The feeling may also connote a desire to return to past times and places or wishing that they could be experienced again. Feelings of nostalgia are often triggered when people encounter a familiar smell or sound, when they speak to others, or when they feel lonely. The term “nostalgia” was coined by Swiss medical student Johannes Hofer by blending the Greek words nostos (“return” or “homecoming”) and algos (“pain”). It first appeared in print in 1688 as Dissertatio Medica de ...(100 of 947 words)

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