aura
A distinctive atmosphere, quality, or energy that surrounds a person, place, or thing; a subtle emanation or exhalation of any substance; a supposed emanation from and surrounding a living person or thing, regarded by mystics as consisting of the essence of the individual.
Etymology
Origin: Latin
Root: aura — "relating to gold, or gold colored"
Example
"The ancient library carried an aura of wisdom and mystery that captivated its visitors."
Usage Notes
Aura ranges from mystical contexts, where it represents spiritual emanations, to everyday use describing an atmosphere or charisma. In modern slang, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok (popularized around May 2024), it refers to someone's confident presence or 'vibe.' Common error: Do not confuse with 'ora' (prayer). The register spans from formal literary use to casual conversation, with recent slang popularization among younger speakers.