There are over a million words in the English language: some with simple definitions, some with beautifully precise meanings, and some that just simply sound more beautiful when spoken. Words are so much more than a meager compilation of letters; they form sentences, paragraphs, books, and stories. Words are a powerful form of communication for someone who wants to share their message with another person.
We put together what we consider the top 10 most beautiful words in the English language.
10 Serendipity (n.)
The chance occurrence of events in a beneficial way.
Example: We all have experienced the serendipity of important information arriving just when we were least expecting it.
9 Petrichor (n.)
The pleasant, earthy smell after rain.
Example: Although I do love the pleasant, dewy petrichor of the post-rain afternoon, I still hope the weather stays sunny.
8 Supine (adj.)
Lying face upwards
Example: She was lying supine on the beach chair looking at the sky.
7 Solitude (n.)
A state of seclusion or isolation.
Example: We enjoyed the beauty and solitude of the quiet beach more than ever.
6 Aurora (n.)
The dawn in the early morning.
Example: The aurora over the skyline was too beautiful not to photograph.
5 Idyllic (adj.)
Like an idyll; extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque.
Example: The blossom growing in the courtyard created such an idyllic setting.
4 Clinomania (n.)
Excessive desire to stay in bed.
Example: I definitely have clinomania; I love sleeping, making mornings a struggle for me.
3 Pluviophile (n.)
A lover of rain; someone who finds joy and peace of mind during rainy days.
Example: My sister is a real pluviophile; she really enjoys the weather in the rainy season.
2 Euphoria (n.)
A feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness.
Example: The euphoria of passing my final exam is a feeling I will never forget.
1 Sequoia (n.)
(A seven-letter word that has the letter Q and all five vowels)
A redwood tree, especially the California redwood.
Example: I love visiting forests where you can see a sequoia.
A version of this post originally appeared on Kaplan International English. Join the Kaplan family and benefit from immersive English language courses, choose from over 35 schools located around the world.
