Word-Built World: ikigai

ikigai

PRONUNCIATION:

(I-ki-gai) 

MEANING:

noun:
1. A sense of purpose or something that gives a sense of purpose; a reason for living.
2. Something that brings fulfillment or enjoyment.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Japanese ikigai (a reason for being), from iki (life) + -gai (worth). Earliest documented use: 1972. The French equivalent is raison d’être.

Wordsmith (wsmith@wordsmith.org)

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