Haunting
ˈhɔːntɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsEvoking powerful feelings of sadness or loss, often in a beautiful or poignant way.
ˈhɔːntɪŋ
Evoking a keen sense of sadness or loss.
The haunting beauty of the landscape left a lasting impression.
💡 Simply: It's like a song or memory that makes you feel a little bit sad or thoughtful, but in a nice way. Like when you remember a fun time with someone.
👶 For kids: Something that makes you feel a little sad and remember things, like a pretty song.
More Examples
She has a haunting smile.
How It's Used
"The haunting melody echoed the protagonist's sorrow."
"The film's haunting visuals stayed with the audience long after the credits rolled."
Relating to or characteristic of a ghost or supernatural presence; often refers to a place believed to be visited by ghosts.
ˈhɔːntɪŋ
Relating to a ghost or a ghostly presence.
The old castle had a haunting reputation.
💡 Simply: When you think of a place that has a ghost. A spooky place!
👶 For kids: Like a place where a ghost might live!
More Examples
The haunting presence in the shadows made her terrified.
How It's Used
"The house was rumored to be a haunting location."
"A haunting atmosphere of the abandoned mansion."
Idioms & expressions
haunted house
A house or building that is believed to be inhabited by ghosts.
"We went to a haunted house for Halloween."
haunted by the past
To be constantly troubled or distressed by memories of past events.
"He was haunted by the past and couldn't move forward."
From the verb 'haunt,' derived from the Old French 'hanter' meaning 'to frequent, haunt'.
The word 'haunting' has been used to describe both the supernatural and the emotional experience of sadness since the 14th century.
Memory tip
Think of a beautiful, sad song that stays with you, 'haunting' your thoughts.
Word Origin
"to frequent, haunt"