kekaguman

Kekaguman is an Indonesian and Malay term that denotes the feeling of admiration or awe toward something remarkable, beautiful, or excellent. It describes a subjective emotional response, rather than a concrete object or act.

Etymology and form: the word is built from the prefix ke- and the root kagum (to be amazed) with the nominal suffix -an, yielding an abstract noun. As a noun, kekaguman refers to a state or quality of admiration and can take a direct object introduced by terhadap or kepada.

Usage and nuance: kekaguman is commonly used to express deep appreciation for art, nature, achievements, or moral virtue. Examples include phrases such as saya merasakan kekaguman yang mendalam terhadap karya seni itu, or kekaguman masyarakat terhadap tokoh tersebut tumbuh seiring waktu. In formal writing, it can be paired with verbs like mengungkapkan kekaguman or mengekspresikan kekaguman, often followed by the object of admiration.

Cultural and stylistic context: the concept is widespread in Indonesian discourse on aesthetics, ethics, and spirituality, reflecting a respectful acknowledgment of excellence or beauty. Kekaguman conveys more than liking; it signals a genuine emotional respect and wonder toward the admired subject.

See also: kagum, kekaguman relates to broader notions of admiration and awe in both Indonesian and Malay linguistic and cultural contexts. In literature and journalism, the term is used to articulate nuanced responses to beauty, achievement, or virtue without implying judgment or comparison.