haunting
word · lemma: haunt
Definition
Describes something that stays in your mind for a long time, often because it is beautiful but sad, mysterious, or disturbing. It can also refer to something that reminds you of something unsettling or spooky.
Usage & Nuances
Most often describes music, images, memories, or places with a sad or mysterious atmosphere. Common with art and literature. Can be both positive (moving beauty) or negative (disturbing, scary). Adjective form, not used to describe active ghosts (use 'haunted' for that).
Example Sentences
The old song has a haunting melody.
basic
She looked at him with haunting eyes.
basic
The movie left me with a haunting feeling.
basic
There’s a haunting beauty in the empty streets at night.
natural
That old photograph of my grandparents is strangely haunting.
natural
The story was so haunting that I kept thinking about it for days.
natural