11 January 2015

new word of the day

uhtceare : Old English noun meaning pre-dawn anxiety or lying awake before dawn and worrying.

4 comments:

am said...

Now I'm wondering how many languages have a word for that. Or if there is a word for waking up without anxiety and worry.

Suddenly this song came to mind, although it is more about anxiety and worry coming from past experiences that undermine the present:

"Remember the feeling as a child when you woke up and morning smiled."

I was an anxious child and have been an anxious adult with many early morning awakenings, but this song reminded me of those morning awakenings that were otherwise.

Thank you for a new word, Sabine. When there is a word, we know we are not alone in our experience.

Sabine said...

Actually, one translation refers to it as "a feeling of sadness before dawn". So there is room for interpretation.

Ms. Moon said...

I have no idea how to pronounce that word which I have never heard but I surely do know what it means.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this word. I live this and never knew what to call it.