genius loci
Americannoun
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the guardian spirit of a place.
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the distinctive character or atmosphere of a place with reference to the impression that it makes on the mind.
noun
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the guardian spirit of a place
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the special atmosphere of a particular place
Etymology
Origin of genius loci
genius of the place
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Would Washingtonians rather live next to a structure that looks like a gigantic Martian spaceship or a work of beauty that reflects the genius loci, the spirit of the place?
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026
Kosky is the latest in a series of innovative directors that Reese has invited to put their own spin on the works of the theater’s genius loci.
From New York Times • Aug. 5, 2021
“The ancient Romans spoke of the genius loci, the spirit of the place - the effect a place has on one’s psyche,” wrote the Old Senate Chamber Architectural Advisory Committee.
From Washington Times • Jul. 14, 2014
It may not be modern but it’s powerful in its genius loci.
From Salon • Aug. 20, 2012
The genius loci must look with wonder on the gigantic offspring of the little railway, which has swallowed up its own sire.
From Railway Adventures and Anecdotes extending over more than fifty years by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
