- Today's Word
Privation
PRY-vay-shun
Definition
(noun) A state in which essential needs are lacking.
Example
The documentary highlighted the long-term effects of housing privation.
Fun Fact
Privation is not just about discomfort—it’s about necessity being stripped away. From privation of sleep to privation of food, shelter, or security, the word describes a foundational level of deprivation. It’s often used in humanitarian, economic, and historical contexts where the absence of basic needs leads to larger consequences.
(noun) A profound transformation or change of mindset; a spiritual or psychological conversion.
Traveling alone for a year sparked a deep metanoia, reshaping her priorities and sense of purpose.
From Greek meta- (“beyond” or “after”) + noia (“mind”), meaning “a shift of mind.”