genius loci

American  

[gen-i-oos loh-kee, jee-nee-uhs loh-sahy, -kahy] / ˈgɛn ɪˌʊs ˈloʊ ki, ˈdʒi ni əs ˈloʊ saɪ, -kaɪ /

noun

Latin.

1. the guardian spirit of a place.

2. the distinctive character or atmosphere of a place with reference to the impression that it makes on the mind.

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genius loci British  

/ ˈdʒiːnɪəs ˈləʊsaɪ /

noun

1. the guardian spirit of a place

2. the special atmosphere of a particular place

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Etymology

Origin of genius loci

genius of the place

Example Sentences

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

And how could they be in any art that is, above and beyond all else, a celebration of genii loci, spirits of place?

From New York Times

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

As I pedaled on through the bosky, quiet terrain, I became aware of a peculiar genius loci, the spit’s ephemeral sense of place.

From The Wall Street Journal

Yet I certainly don’t feel the genius loci of Tufnell Park very strongly.

From The Guardian