Emotion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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emotion

[ɪˈməʊʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

expressing feelings

A strong feeling such as love or anger, or strong feelings in general

Synonyms

feeling, passion, sentiment.

Examples of usage

  • She was overcome with emotion at the sight of her child.
  • The speech was filled with emotion and brought tears to many eyes.
Context #2 | Noun

psychology

A complex psychological state that involves three distinct components: a subjective experience, a physiological response, and a behavioral or expressive response

Synonyms

affect, feeling, mood.

Examples of usage

  • The study of emotion is a fundamental aspect of psychology.
  • Emotions can have a significant impact on behavior and decision-making.
Context #3 | Noun

literature

A literary work or artistic expression that evokes strong feelings in the audience

Synonyms

feeling, passion, sentiment.

Examples of usage

  • The movie was a powerful exploration of human emotions.
  • The poem resonated with readers on an emotional level.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the Latin 'emovere', meaning 'to move out' or 'to stir up', reflecting how feelings can move us.
  • In the 17th century, philosophers began to use the term to describe inner feelings and passions distinct from reason.

Psychology

  • Emotions are often classified into primary feelings such as joy, anger, sadness, surprise, fear, and disgust.
  • The James-Lange theory suggests that emotions arise from our physiological reactions to events, meaning we feel emotions because of our body's responses.
  • Emotional intelligence, the ability to recognize and understand emotions in ourselves and others, is crucial for effective communication and relationships.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures may express emotions in unique ways; for example, some might show happiness openly, while others might be more reserved.
  • Folklore and storytelling often convey emotions through metaphors and symbols, illustrating the universal nature of these feelings.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often rely heavily on emotions to connect with the audience, using music and visuals to enhance feelings.
  • Social media platforms have popularized the use of emojis, which are small images used to express emotions in digital communication.

Science

  • Research shows that emotions can influence our decision-making processes, impacting everything from personal choices to economic behaviors.
  • Neurological studies indicate that different emotions activate distinct areas of the brain, which can affect how we think and act.

Origin of 'emotion'

The word 'emotion' comes from the Latin word 'emotio' meaning a stirring up, agitation, or excitement. The concept of emotions has been studied throughout history by philosophers, psychologists, and artists, leading to various theories and interpretations of this fundamental aspect of human experience. Emotions play a crucial role in shaping our interactions, relationships, and understanding of the world around us.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,395, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.