Definition

Noun: 1. A Chinese philosophical system for harmonizing individuals with their surrounding environment: Feng shui is a traditional practice that uses specific rules to analyze and adjust the spatial arrangement and orientation of spaces, objects, and structures. Its core principle is to achieve harmony by balancing the opposing forces of yin and yang and optimizing the flow of life energy, known as qi or chi. 2. The application of these principles to design and placement: The practice involves considering the favorable or unfavorable effects of these energy patterns when designing, siting, and arranging buildings, rooms, graves, and furniture to promote health, prosperity, and well-being.

Usage Examples

• The architect incorporated principles of feng shui into the home's design to ensure a balanced flow of energy.
• She consulted a feng shui expert before arranging her office furniture.
• According to feng shui, the placement of your bed can significantly affect the quality of your sleep.

Advanced Usage

• "To feng shui" (verb, informal): The noun is sometimes used informally as a verb meaning to arrange or organize a space according to these principles.
  • We decided to feng shui the living room to make it feel more welcoming.

Variants and Related Words

• Feng shui consultant/practitioner/master (n): A person who is an expert in applying feng shui principles.
• Qi / Chi (n): The vital life force or energy flow that feng shui aims to cultivate and balance.

Synonyms

• Geomancy (Note: While sometimes used interchangeably in a broad sense, geomancy is a related but distinct divination practice. Feng shui is more specifically focused on environmental harmony.)
• Environmental design
• Spatial harmony

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Good/Bad feng shui: Used to describe a space that has, or lacks, harmonious energy flow according to these principles.
  • The cluttered entrance creates bad feng shui, blocking the energy from entering the house.
  • The open floor plan and plants contribute to the good feng shui of the apartment.

Noun

1. rules in Chinese philosophy that govern spatial arrangement and orientation in relation to patterns of yin and yang and the flow of energy (qi); the favorable or unfavorable effects are taken into consideration in designing and siting buildings and graves and furniture