Numinous

Numinous describes an experience or feeling that is profoundly spiritual, mystical, or sacred. It evokes a sense of awe, wonder, and mystery, often involving a feeling of connection to something larger than oneself, such as a divine power, a supernatural force, or the vastness of the universe. The experience is typically ineffable, difficult to describe with ordinary language, and can be deeply personal and transformative, leaving a lasting impression on the individual.

Numinous meaning with examples

• Standing before the ancient cathedral, bathed in the soft glow of stained glass and echoing with the faint sound of chants, she felt a numinous presence that stirred within her, leaving her speechless and breathless.
• Hiking through the ancient redwood forest, the colossal trees and dappled sunlight fostered a numinous sensation. The feeling of insignificance in the grand scale of nature evoked deep reverence for its power.
• After witnessing the birth of her first child, the new mother was overwhelmed by a numinous experience, a feeling of profound connection to the miracle of life and the beginning of an irreplaceable bond.
• The quiet of the meditation retreat allowed her to experience a numinous state, where the world seemed to fall away, and a connection to something deeper allowed for clarity and peace of mind.
• The vast, star-filled night sky filled him with numinous awe. The realization of the universe's immensity sparked profound questions about existence and his place in it.