Emotionalism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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emotionalism

[ɪˈməʊʃ(ə)nəˌlɪz(ə)m ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling

Emotionalism refers to the tendency to express emotions openly and intensely.

Synonyms

demonstrativeness, emotionality, sentimentality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
emotionalism	Used to describe a general tendency to rely on emotions rather than logic or reason. It often has a negative connotation. His decisions are rarely practical, often clouded by emotionalism
emotionality	Describes the extent or degree to which someone displays emotions. It is neutral and can refer to both positive and negative emotions. The film's emotionality brought some viewers to tears
sentimentality	Indicates an excessive tenderness or nostalgia, often seen as overly emotional or even slightly insincere. It usually has a negative connotation. The movie had a lot of sentimentality, making it feel somewhat clichéd
demonstrativeness	Refers to openly showing emotions, typically in a positive, affectionate, or enthusiastic way. Her demonstrativeness made everyone feel welcome at the party

Examples of usage

He was criticized for his emotionalism during the presentation.
Her emotionalism was evident in her passionate speech.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

art

In art, emotionalism is a style that focuses on conveying emotions and feelings through the use of color, form, and composition.

Synonyms

expressiveness, sensibility, subjectivity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
emotionalism	Used when describing an excessive or undue display of emotion. Often implies a negative connotation where emotions overshadow rational thinking. The movie was criticized for its emotionalism, as it seemed to manipulate the audience's feelings excessively. His speech was filled with emotionalism, prioritizing sentiment over facts.
expressiveness	Focuses on the ability to convey feelings and emotions effectively through words, facial expressions, or body language. Her expressiveness on stage captivated the audience. He is known for his expressiveness, making every story he tells engaging.
subjectivity	Pertains to personal experiences, opinions, or feelings that are influenced by individual perspectives and biases. Often contrasted with objectivity. Her review of the book was criticized for its subjectivity. Art is often appreciated for its subjectivity, allowing different interpretations by different people.
sensibility	Describes a person's ability to perceive and respond to emotional or aesthetic influences. Indicates a sensitivity towards art, music, or other forms of beauty. Her artistic sensibility is evident in her intricate designs. His sensibility made him the ideal candidate for the curator position at the museum.

Examples of usage

The painting was a perfect example of emotionalism in art.
His work is often associated with the emotionalism movement.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Art

In the realm of painting, emotionalism is often seen in the works of expressionist artists like Edvard Munch, whose piece 'The Scream' evokes deep feelings of anxiety.
Emotionalism in literature can be observed in the works of poets like William Wordsworth, who emphasized personal feelings and nature's emotional impact.
The rise of emotionalism was a reaction against the detached realism found in the 19th century, emphasizing personal expression.

Psychology

Studies show that art or literature that evokes strong emotions can have a lasting impact on memory and personal connection.
Emotionalism often helps individuals process their feelings by allowing them to express emotions creatively, which can be therapeutic.
Psychologists argue that engaging with emotionally charged content can foster empathy and improve emotional intelligence.

Pop Culture

Many popular music genres, like soul and pop, heavily incorporate emotionalism, using heartfelt lyrics to connect with listeners emotionally.
Movies with strong emotional narratives, such as 'The Notebook' or 'Titanic,' are often recognized for their emotionalism, drawing viewers into the characters' feelings.
Social media platforms often amplify emotional content, with posts that evoke strong reactions being more likely to go viral.

Theater

Emotionalism plays a vital role in theater, where actors use their expressions and body language to convey deep emotions that resonate with the audience.
The use of monologues is a common technique in emotionalist theater, allowing actors to share their characters' internal feelings and thoughts.
The concept of 'method acting' often aligns with emotionalism, where actors immerse themselves in their characters' emotions for a more authentic performance.

Origin of 'emotionalism'

Main points about word origin

The term comes from the root word 'emotion,' which is derived from the Latin 'emovere,' meaning 'to move out' or 'to stir up.'
Emotionalism was first coined in the early 20th century during discussions about art movements that prioritized feelings over realism.
The suffix 'ism' is often used to denote movements or ideologies, suggesting that emotionalism represents a particular approach.

The term 'emotionalism' originated in the mid-19th century, combining the words 'emotion' and 'ism'. It was initially used to describe the tendency to rely on or place excessive emphasis on emotions. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass different meanings in various contexts, including psychology, art, and philosophy. Emotionalism continues to be a subject of debate and discussion, with proponents praising its authenticity and critics questioning its rationality.