Tell me more ×
English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.

I'm looking for a word that roughly means a mixture of "accomplishment"/"satisfaction"/"feeling productive", but which is no longer in use (e.g. Latin, Greek, disused words).

The old English word "patration" (meaning "completion") is quite good. The Latin word for accomplishment is not bad ("executio") but it sounds too much like a spell from Harry Potter (thanks, JK Rowling!).

Is there another word that might better suit my needs?

share|improve this question
1  
Let's get this straight. You think there isn't currently a word for what you mean, so you want to co-opt an unfamiliar word to do the job? Presumably on the assumption that if people don't know the "unfamiliar" word, you can convince them it actually means whatever you want. Looks to me like it's Not Constructive. My (constructive) suggestion is that you accept the need to use more existing words with existing meanings to convey whatever it is you want to say. – FumbleFingers Feb 3 at 21:15
You seem to be describing a feeling, but asking for a word meaning accomplishment. Are you looking for another word describing the sense of accomplishment you feel when you "beat" a video game? – Jim Feb 3 at 21:16
Thesaurus? Make one up? – Mitch Feb 3 at 21:47
@FumbleFingers Thanks for your attempts at help. In this particular instance it's important that there are no confusions with existing words, as I'm introducing a new concept to the reader. See: Meme - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meme (Sometimes existing words will not do.) – Django Reinhardt Feb 3 at 22:19
1  
As @FumbleFingers states, a word like buzz is probably about right, there's no need to try to artificially inflate the feeling you get when playing games. It's just a bit more entertaining than tv, because it's interactive. – Chris Feb 4 at 2:25
show 5 more comments

closed as not constructive by FumbleFingers, Mitch, tchrist, StoneyB, cornbread ninja 麵包忍者 Feb 4 at 4:25

As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or specific expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, see the FAQ for guidance.

1 Answer

Instead of concluding “there isn't currently a word for it”, where it is “a certain feeling in a certain situation”, you might do better considering a word like thrill or its synonyms. Also consider synonyms of fervency, ardency, zealousness, etc., if any of those relate to what you mean.

You might also look at names of high awards, for example the Palme d'Or, and adopt or adapt such a name. One might also refer to laurels, cachet, fait accompli, masterstrokes, triumphs, or trompe, an obsolete word meaning trumpet.

share|improve this answer
I fear that using the obsolete word for "trumpet" (also known as the French word for "trunk") would only distract the reader. "Thrill" and the other words you mention would only cause confusion (hopefully for obvious reasons). – Django Reinhardt Feb 3 at 22:25

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.