ikigai
PRONUNCIATION:
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)