Word of the Day

Thursday, September 18, 2003

malaise

\muh-LAYZ; -LEZ\ , noun;

A vague feeling of discomfort in the body, as at the onset of illness.

A general feeling of depression or unease.

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Quotes:

The first sign of illness is a malaise no worse than influenza.

-- Steve Jones, Darwin's Ghost

Beauty is a basic pleasure. Try to imagine that you have become immune to beauty. Chances are, you would consider yourself unwell -- sunk in a physical, spiritual, or emotional malaise.

-- Nancy Etcoff, Survival of the Prettiest

He fell in love with Modotti's sad beauty and her indecipherable character, and he saw in her the same vague subtle malaise that made him feel like a stranger to life.

-- Pino Cacucci, Tina Modotti: A Life

Shortly after the birth of his second child, the Prince found himself in a state of malaise and dissatisfaction with life which manifested itself as a boredom with his wife, and an interest in one of the young ladies at court.

-- Andrew Crumey, Pfitz

Origin:

Malaise comes from the French, from Old French mal, "bad, ill" + aise, "comfort, ease."