Saudade is a noun that refers to a feeling of melancholy or nostalgia.

Our word of the day comes directly from Portuguese and it refers to a sense of melancholy or nostalgia that is, according to legend, characteristic of the Portuguese or Brazilian temperament. Here’s an example of saudade in use:

Anna’s songs contain a strong element of saudade. They are sad and melancholic in a way that fondly recalls the past.