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Is there a term that describes the joy you get from something that you consistently love?

English Language & Usage Asked by Camden Ko on January 26, 2021

I’m trying to find the word that juxtaposes with novelty. Novelty is usually to describe things that are enjoyable because they are new. I’m looking for a term that describes things that are enjoyable and are NOT new.

For example, you see your partner everyday. You see them and it brings you joy every single time. The feeling is subtler than the quick happiness of novelty, but much deeper and intimate.

Here is an example sentence: I enjoy browsing Facebook for the novelty. I enjoy listening to my favorite song because of the [INSERT_WORD]

Here are the words I’ve considered and why they don’t work:

  • Nostalgia: Very similar, except nostalgia has a negative connotation with the wistful desire. This is a tad bit different because it’s not a wistful desire as much as it is a fulfilled happiness.
  • Homecoming: Emotionally similar but awkward
  • Hearth: Has the right vibe but not the right associations
  • Home: Same as hearth

The best word would be a noun that describes the feeling most accurately.

I would prefer a single word, but I suspect that there isn’t a single word. I would accept a compound word or a new word.

5 Answers

The nearest I can suggest is familiarity. The word is almost what you specify, although perhaps lacks strong enough overtones of contented love.

Familiarity = easy to recognize because previously experienced: familiar sights: a familiar face: I’m not familiar with current research in the field.

familiar adjective (INFORMAL)

informal or friendly, esp. more than is expected: Her familiar tone makes her writing more effective.

Cambridge dictionary

The same source gives us familiarity = a good knowledge of something, or the fact that you know it so well

Answered by Anton on January 26, 2021

Something close to that could be contentment

Contentment is an emotional state of satisfaction that can be seen as a mental state, maybe drawn from being at ease in one's situation, body and mind.

The article on ataraxia might also give you some further ideas.

Answered by stackzebra on January 26, 2021

I would think that one would feel warmhearted at the sight of the person oneloves. I think in a less formal register, cosy or comfy (comfortable) might cover your meaning, because they retain the connotation of intimacy with someone.

Answered by fev on January 26, 2021

I reckon satisfaction fits well enough. joy naturally accompanies satisfaction— A commonplace word for something that is often hard to come by.

If this answer sounds a trifle commonplace and you want a fancy word that captures this feeling (which comes when you hear that favourite song of yours), I suggest this beautiful word— je ne sais quoi

something (such as an appealing quality) that cannot be adequately described or expressed

a young actress who has a certain je ne sais quoi.

[Merriam-Webster]

Answered by user405662 on January 26, 2021

Your word might be flow.

In positive psychology, a flow state, also known colloquially as being in the zone, is the mental state in which a person performing some activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity.
Flow (psychology) - Wikipedia

Answered by niamulbengali on January 26, 2021

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