hygge
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for hygge, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A feeling of warm, cosy contentment, especially one created by simple pleasures such as candlelight, soft blankets, good food and the company of people you like.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A feeling of warm, cosy contentment, especially one created by simple pleasures such as candlelight, soft blankets, good food and the company of people you like.
“There is nothing more hygge than a wet afternoon, a fire and a pot of tea.”
How to use hygge
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
A borrowed word, now common in English lifestyle writing; it is not usually italicised any more.
Etymology
A Danish word, related to Norwegian hygge meaning wellbeing or comfort.
Full origin of hygge →Frequently asked questions
How do you pronounce hygge?
Roughly HOO-guh, with the first syllable close to the oo in book and a soft g. English speakers who say HIGG-uh will still be understood, but it is not the Danish sound.
What is the difference between hygge and cosy?
Cosy describes physical warmth and comfort. Hygge includes that but adds atmosphere and company: an evening can be hygge because of who is there and how unhurried it feels, not just because the room is warm.
Is hygge only a winter thing?
It is most associated with dark Nordic winters, but Danes apply it year round to anything relaxed and companionable, including summer picnics and long outdoor meals.