English has borrowed a large number of words and phrases from foreign languages. Here are some of them:
Nonchalant (French) behaving calmly and not seeming interested in anything or worried about anything
Bob smiled nonchalantly.
Nondescript (Latin) someone or something that is nondescript looks very ordinary and is not at all interesting or unusual
They are living in a rather nondescript suburban house.
Nonplussed (Latin) so surprised by something that you do not knowing what to say or do
Mary was completely nonplussed by Edward’s refusal to marry her.
Nostalgia (Greek) a feeling that a time in the past was good, or the activity of remembering a good time in the past and wishing that things had not changed
Rajiv looked back on his university days with a certain amount of nostalgia.
Nostrum (Latin) an idea that someone thinks will solve a problem easily, but will probably not help at all
Nota bene (Latin) note well, abbreviated as N.B.
Nous (Greek) common sense
Minerva does not have sufficient nous to solve the problem for herself.
Nouveau Riche (French) having only recently become rich and spending a lot of money – used to show disapproval
The nouveau riches have few real friends.
Nouvelle cuisine (French) a style of cooking from France where simple and healthy food is served in an attractive way, usually in small amounts on a big plate
Nova (Latin) a star which explodes and suddenly becomes much brighter for a short time
Astronomers have identified three new novas.
Novella (Italian) a short novel
His novellas were better received than his novels.
Nuance (French) very slight, hardly noticeable difference in manner, colour, or meaning
George was aware of every nuance of her voice.
Nucleus (Latin) the central part of an atom, made of neutrons, protons, and other elementary particles
Numero uno (Italian) number one or the best
Chandra’s grandfather thinks he is still numero uno in the organisation.
Nuncio ((Italian) a representative of the Pope in a foreign country
Odium (Latin) a strong feeling of hatred that a lot of people have for someone because of something they have done
Internationally, Reagan attracted odium for his militarism.
Odyssey (Greek) a series of experiences that teach you something about yourself or about life
Oeuvre (French) all the works of an artist or writer
Olympiad (Greek) a particular occasion of the modern Olympic Games
Olympian (Greek) like a god, especially by being calm and not concerned about ordinary things
The philosopher viewed the world with Olympian detachment.
Om (Sanskrit) mantra intoned by Hindus and Tibetan Buddhists during meditative contemplation of ultimate reality
Ombudsman (Swedish) someone who deals with complaints made by ordinary people against government officials
Omega (Greek) the last letter of the Greek alphabet
Omnibus (Latin) an omnibus law contains several different laws collected together
Onomatopoeia (Greek) the use of words that sound like the things that they are describing
The words ‘buzz, hiss’ and ‘cuckoo’ are examples of onomatopoeia.
Onus (Latin) the responsibility for something
The onus is on the prosecution to provide proof of guilt.
Opera (Italian) a musical play in which all of the words are sung
For many people a night at the opera is an experience to be enjoyed.