adj
numinous
Numinous (adj) means Connected with a god or divine spirit; showing that a divine power is present.
adj
1
Connected with a god or divine spirit; showing that a divine power is present.
"He held his own body in numinous esteem."
— Saul Bellow, Humboldt’s Gift (1976)
"His interest in numinous objects led him on a quest for the Holy Grail."
2
Giving a strong feeling of wonder or mystery, as if something greater than us is present.
"A post-scarcity communism that doesn't dispense with all thoughts of the divine and numinous can't be precluded."
— China Miéville (2022)
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Etymology
Formed from Latin nūmen (“nod of the head; divine sway or will; divinity”) and -ous (a suffix forming adjectives from nouns, showing possession or presence of a quality). Nūmen itself is thought to come either from Latin *nuō (“to nod”) or from Ancient Greek νοούμενον (nooúmenon, “influence perceptible by the mind but not the senses”), which ultimately goes back to νόος (nóos, “mind; thought; purpose”).
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Rhymes for numinous
See all rhymes for numinous →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of numinous?
"numinous" (adj) means connected with a god or divine spirit; showing that a divine power is present.
What is another word for numinous?
Other words for "numinous" include magical, mystical, mystic.
What is the opposite of numinous?
Opposites of "numinous" include profane, secular.
What are the different meanings of numinous?
"numinous" has 2 main meanings: 1. Connected with a god or divine spirit; showing that a divine power is present; 2. Giving a strong feeling of wonder or mystery, as if something greater than us is present.
