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Mawkishly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mawkishly

[ˈmɔːkɪʃli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a sentimental or over-emotional way

Mawkishly means in a way that is excessively sentimental or emotional, often to the point of being insincere or nauseating. It is used to describe behavior or writing that is overly sweet or mawkish in nature.

Synonyms

over-emotionally, sentimentally, syrupy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mawkishly

Similar to 'mawkishly,' this term also signifies an action done in an overly sentimental way, often considered annoying or overly dramatic. It carries a negative impression.

  • He spoke mawkishly about his childhood, annoying his friends.
  • The letter was written mawkishly, filled with unnecessary flattery.
sentimentally

This word is used when describing actions or reactions that are guided by feelings of tenderness, love, or nostalgia. It can be positive or negative, depending on context.

  • He spoke sentimentally about his late grandmother, bringing tears to everyone's eyes.
  • The book is written sentimentally, touching on themes of love and loss.
over-emotionally

This term is used to describe actions or reactions that are excessively emotional, often beyond what is considered normal or expected. It can carry a slightly negative tone.

  • She reacted over-emotionally to the news, causing concern among her peers.
  • He described the event over-emotionally, making it seem more dramatic than it was.
syrupy

This term describes something that is excessively sweet or sentimental, often used in a negative sense to indicate something overly sugary or cheesy.

  • The romantic comedy was too syrupy for my taste.
  • Her voice was syrupy with exaggerated sweetness that felt insincere.

Examples of usage

  • He spoke mawkishly about love, but his actions told a different story.
  • The movie's ending was so mawkishly sentimental that it made me cringe.
  • She always writes mawkishly about her childhood, exaggerating the memories for effect.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Mawkishly sentimental characters often appear in romance novels and melodramas, where feelings are exaggerated for effect.
  • Famous authors like Charles Dickens used mawkish moments to evoke strong feelings, though some readers found it overdone.
  • In poetry, mawkish sentiments can sometimes distract from the core message or theme, causing a reaction of eye-rolling instead of tears.

Pop Culture

  • Many romantic comedies feature mawkish storylines, where characters express exaggerated emotions that might feel unrealistic.
  • Some television series, like soap operas, frequently rely on mawkishness to amplify drama and keep audiences engaged.
  • Critics often label certain music or films as mawkish when they use excessive sentimentality to manipulate emotions.

Psychology

  • Overly emotional responses can sometimes serve as a coping mechanism for individuals dealing with trauma or unresolved feelings.
  • Psychologists suggest that consistent mawkish behavior may stem from a desire for empathy or connection, even if it feels forced.
  • There is a fine line between genuine emotion and mawkishness; understanding this can enhance emotional intelligence and communication.

Origin of 'mawkishly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the 19th century, combining 'mawkish', meaning overly sentimental, with the adverbial suffix '-ly'.
  • It has roots in the Middle English term 'makysh', which meant to make sick or nauseous, reflecting the feeling of excessive emotion.
  • Originally, it was used to describe overly sweet or rich food that could make someone feel unwell.

The word 'mawkishly' originated from the adjective 'mawkish,' which dates back to the early 18th century. It is derived from the Middle English word 'malken,' meaning to soften, which is also related to the Old English word 'meolc,' meaning soft or tender. Over time, 'mawkish' evolved to describe something overly sentimental or insincerely emotional. The adverb form 'mawkishly' developed to describe the manner in which something is done in a mawkish manner.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,425, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.