- Today's Word
Metanoia
met-uh-NOY-uh
Definition
- (noun) A profound transformation or change in one’s life, perspective, or way of thinking, often involving spiritual or emotional growth.
Example
After her travels abroad, she experienced a metanoia that reshaped her values and priorities.
Fun Fact
Metanoia comes from the Greek meta- (“change”) and noia (“mind” or “thought”). Originally used in theological contexts to describe repentance or turning toward God, it has since broadened to include any significant personal transformation. The term underscores humanity’s capacity for growth and renewal, often in the face of profound challenges or insights.
(noun) The range of one’s knowledge, understanding, or awareness.
Quantum physics lies far beyond my ken, no matter how many articles I read.
Ken comes from Old English cennan, meaning “to know” or “to make known,” and is closely related to Middle English and Scots usage where it meant knowledge, perception, or recognition. Over time, the word narrowed to describe the limits of what someone knows or understands, which is why it’s often used today in phrases like “beyond my ken.”