Gezelligheid
noun /xəˈzɛlɪxɦɛɪt/ — Dutch: the particular warmth of being together with people you love.
Definition
A feeling of cosiness, togetherness, and belonging — not just physical warmth but the glow of genuine human connection. More social than hygge; it requires the presence of others.
Beyond the definition
The Dutch word that hygge forgot to include: the other people. Gezelligheid is the warmth that happens between people, not just around them. It's the glow of a room where everyone present actually wants to be there.
Origin & history
Dutch: from 'gezel' (companion/friend) + '-heid' (state of being). Literally the state of being with good companions.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The flat was small but full of gezelligheid — friends everywhere, laughter constant.
She missed the gezelligheid of family dinners when she moved abroad.
Gezelligheid is not something you can manufacture — it either arrives or it doesn't.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Gezelligheid” when the meaning fits your context: A feeling of cosiness, togetherness, and belonging — not just physical warmth but the glow of genuine human connection. More social than hygge; it requires the presence of others.
Synonyms
togetherness, cosiness, conviviality, warmth
Antonyms
isolation, coldness
Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Gezelligheid" mean?
Gezelligheid is noun meaning: Dutch: the particular warmth of being together with people you love.. A feeling of cosiness, togetherness, and belonging — not just physical warmth but the glow of genuine human connection. More social than hygge; it requires the presence of others.
Where does the word "Gezelligheid" come from?
Dutch: from 'gezel' (companion/friend) + '-heid' (state of being). Literally the state of being with good companions.