Ennui
- “what does ennui mean”
- “is ennui the same as boredom”
- “french word for world weariness”
- “nothing feels worth doing”
01 · Side by side
Side by side
Comparison sheet
| Aspect | Ennui | Boredom |
|---|---|---|
| Cured by an event | No | Yes |
| About | Everything | This afternoon |
| Root feeling | Loathing | Restlessness |
| Register | Literary | Plain |
02 · Which one you meant
Which one did you mean?
In shortReaders who land here meaning Ennui rather than Boredom are usually searching for phrases like “what does ennui mean”, “is ennui the same as boredom”, “french word for world weariness”.
03 · The mix-up
Where the confusion comes from
The mix-up“Ennui is just a fancy French word for boredom.”
What's true
Its root is Latin IN ODIO, 'in hatred' — the same root that produced English ANNOY. Etymologically it names weary DISGUST rather than under-stimulation. Boredom wants something to do; ennui has been offered things to do and found them wanting.
04 · Read either one