- Today's Word
Ephemerjoy
[eh-FEM-er-joy]
Definition
- (noun) To a brief, intense burst of happiness or delight that comes from fleeting, often overlooked moments in everyday life. It’s the sudden rush of joy you get from small, transient experiences that might typically go unnoticed.
Example
As she walked to work, Sarah felt a surge of ephemerjoy when she spotted a vibrant rainbow after the morning drizzle, momentarily forgetting her busy day ahead.
Fun Fact
The word “ephemerjoy” combines “ephemeral” (lasting for a very short time) with “joy,” creating a term that captures the essence of momentary bliss. This concept aligns with research in positive psychology on the importance of savoring positive experiences, no matter how brief. A study published in the “Journal of Positive Psychology” found that individuals who regularly notice and appreciate small, positive moments in their daily lives report higher levels of overall happiness and life satisfaction. This suggests that cultivating awareness of ephemerjoy could be a practical strategy for enhancing well-being.
(verb) To reprimand someone severely; to criticize harshly.
The editor castigated the writer for missing yet another deadline.
Early 17th century: from Latin castigare, from castus ‘pure’ + agere ‘to drive’.