What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
homesick
Example
After being away for months, I felt homesick and missed my family. [homesick: adjective]
Example
She couldn't help but cry when she heard her favorite song, feeling homesick for her hometown. [homesick: noun]
nostalgic
Example
Listening to old songs always makes me feel nostalgic for my childhood. [nostalgic: adjective]
Example
He felt a wave of nostalgia wash over him as he walked through his old neighborhood. [nostalgic: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Homesick is more commonly used than nostalgic in everyday language, especially among people who have recently moved to a new place or country. Nostalgic is less common but can be used in various contexts, such as music, art, or literature.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between homesick and nostalgic?
Both homesick and nostalgic are relatively informal words and can be used in casual conversations or writing. However, nostalgic can be associated with a more literary or artistic tone, while homesick is more straightforward and direct in its meaning.
