Emotions: meaning, definitions and examples

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emotions

[ɪˈməʊʃənz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

express feelings

Emotions are strong feelings such as love, happiness, anger, or sadness that can be expressed through facial expressions, body language, or words.

Synonyms

feelings, passions, sentiments.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
emotions	Used to describe strong feelings that are usually intense and short-lived. Suitable for discussing both positive and negative intense feelings. She couldn't hide her emotions when she saw the surprise party His emotions were running high after the argument
feelings	Refers to a broader range of emotions and is often used in casual or informal settings. It can describe both physical sensations and emotional states, short-term or long-term. I have mixed feelings about moving to a new city She shared her feelings about the movie
sentiments	Refers to emotions or feelings that are expressed in words or actions. It often has a formal or literary tone and can describe thoughts or opinions that are shared by a group. The sentiment in the room was one of hope and optimism Her gesture was appreciated as a sentiment of goodwill
passions	Describes very strong, almost overwhelming feelings, often related to interests, hobbies, or romantic love. Used in positive and sometimes dramatic contexts. His passion for music is evident in every note he plays She spoke with passion about her volunteer work

Examples of usage

Her emotions overwhelmed her when she received the surprise gift.
He struggled to control his emotions during the emotional speech.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

psychological response

Emotions refer to the psychological response to a situation, event, or person that can influence behavior and decision-making.

Synonyms

reactions, responses, sentiments.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
emotions	Use when talking about feelings that are often intense and can affect mood, decisions, and actions. She couldn't hide her emotions during the movie He felt a whirlwind of emotions after the break-up
reactions	Use this word to describe immediate actions or feelings caused by a specific event or situation. His reaction to the surprise was priceless The reaction from the crowd was overwhelming
responses	This word is suitable when referring to answers or replies to questions, situations, or stimuli. It is often more neutral and formal than 'reactions'. Her response to the email was prompt and polite The patient's response to the treatment was positive
sentiments	Use to describe gentle, often lingering feelings or opinions, especially when they are expressed. It can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation if referring to overly emotional feelings. The sentiment of the group was generally positive His sentiments were made clear in the heartfelt letter

Examples of usage

Her emotions were conflicted as she tried to make a difficult choice.
The movie evoked strong emotions in the audience.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Different emotions can activate various parts of the brain; for instances, fear lights up areas linked to survival.
Researchers often categorize emotions into basic types, such as joy, anger, surprise, and fear, to better understand human behavior.
The study of emotions is crucial in psychology, as it helps explain social interactions and personal well-being.

Cultural Interpretations

In many cultures, emotions are expressed differently; for example, some cultures encourage emotional displays while others promote restraint.
Art and music are often influenced by emotions, with creators aiming to evoke feelings in their audience, reflecting cultural values.
Expressions, body language, and even silence can convey emotions across different cultures, enhancing communication.

Evolutionary Biology

Emotions likely developed as survival mechanisms, helping early humans respond to threats, communicate with others, and form bonds.
Facial expressions of emotions are universal; even people from different parts of the world can recognize basic feelings like happiness or fear.
The ability to regulate emotions is linked to better social relationships and is essential for successful parenting.

Pop Culture

Movies often explore the theme of emotions, using dramatic arcs to connect with audiences; think of films that make you laugh or cry.
Emotions are a frequent topic in music, with songs designed to make listeners feel a specific way, echoing shared human experiences.
Popular literature often dives deep into character emotions, allowing readers to connect on personal levels, enriching the storytelling.

Technology

Artificial Intelligence is being developed to recognize and respond to human emotions, aiming for better human-computer interaction.
Apps and platforms increasingly use emotional tracking to improve user experiences, adjusting content based on user feelings.
Virtual reality experiences may incorporate emotions, enhancing empathy by allowing users to experience scenarios from different perspectives.

Translations

Translations of the word "emotions" in other languages:

🇵🇹 emoções

🇮🇳 भावनाएँ

🇩🇪 Gefühle

🇮🇩 emosi

🇺🇦 емоції

🇵🇱 emocje

🇯🇵 感情 (かんじょう)

🇫🇷 émotions

🇪🇸 emociones

🇹🇷 duygular

🇰🇷 감정 (gamjeong)

🇸🇦 عواطف

🇨🇿 emoce

🇸🇰 emócie

🇨🇳 情感 (qínggǎn)

🇸🇮 čustva

🇮🇸 tilfinningar

🇰🇿 эмоциялар

🇬🇪 ემოციები

🇦🇿 emosiyalar

🇲🇽 emociones

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,927, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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