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Sensational Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sensational

[senหˆseษชสƒ(ษ™)n(ษ™)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

news reporting

Causing great interest or excitement. Sensational news stories often focus on shocking or scandalous events to attract attention.

Synonyms

dramatic, exciting, thrilling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sensational

Often used to describe news or events that are extraordinarily shocking or impressive, sometimes with a sense of exaggeration. This word can have a negative connotation if the emphasis is on exaggeration or sensationalism.

  • The newspaper published a sensational story about the celebrity's private life.
  • Her performance in the film was absolutely sensational.
exciting

Used to describe events or experiences that are thrilling and cause enthusiasm or eagerness. It usually has a positive connotation.

  • The announcement of the new project was very exciting.
  • They had an exciting day at the amusement park.
dramatic

Used to describe situations or events that are intense, emotional, and often unexpected. It can refer to both positive and negative events.

  • The team made a dramatic comeback in the final minutes of the game.
  • The weather change was so dramatic that they had to cancel the event.
thrilling

Typically used to describe experiences that are extremely exciting and exhilarating, often involving a sense of adventure or danger.

  • The roller coaster ride was absolutely thrilling.
  • She felt a thrilling rush of adrenaline as she jumped from the airplane.

Examples of usage

  • The sensational headline grabbed everyone's attention.
  • The sensational details of the scandal were revealed in the article.
Context #2 | Adjective

performance or work of art

Exceptionally good or impressive. A sensational performance or piece of work is one that is outstanding and leaves a lasting impact on the audience.

Synonyms

extraordinary, remarkable, stellar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sensational

Use 'sensational' to describe something that is very exciting or shocking, mainly in a way that grabs a lot of public attention. This term often has a negative connotation, especially when referring to news or media.

  • The newspaper article was full of sensational headlines.
  • The movie's sensational special effects wowed the audience.
remarkable

'Remarkable' is used to describe something that is worthy of attention or notice, often due to its surprising quality or excellence. It generally has a positive connotation.

  • His recovery from the injury was truly remarkable.
  • The book is remarkable for its detailed and vivid descriptions.
extraordinary

'Extraordinary' is fitting for situations or things that are very unusual, exceptional, or beyond what is normal or usual. It carries a positive connotation.

  • She did an extraordinary job on the project.
  • The athlete's extraordinary performance set a new world record.
stellar

'Stellar' is used to describe something or someone as being outstanding or exceptionally good. It is often used in the context of performance or achievements.

  • She received stellar reviews for her performance in the play.
  • The company delivered a stellar financial report this quarter.

Examples of usage

  • Her sensational singing talent wowed the audience.
  • The artist's latest painting received sensational reviews.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Media

  • In journalism, 'sensational' often describes stories designed to grab attention, sometimes prioritizing intrigue over factual reporting.
  • Sensationalism in media can lead to exaggerated headlines, captivating the audience with drama rather than accuracy.
  • Reality TV often employs sensational elements, creating dramatic scenarios to keep viewers engaged.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that sensational experiences can heighten emotional responses, leading to increased retention of information.
  • The human brain is wired to respond more vividly to shocking or surprising events, often causing a stronger memory imprint.
  • Sensational content is linked to the release of dopamine, a feel-good chemical in the brain, which makes it appealing to consumers.

Literature

  • 'Sensational' literature emerged in the 19th century, characterized by dramatic and shocking plots, appealing to readers' emotions.
  • Authors like Edgar Allan Poe and the Brontรซ sisters often wrote sensational stories that explored dark themes and intense emotions.
  • The genre influenced modern thriller and horror writing, with a focus on suspense and captivating twists.

Cultural Impact

  • Sensationalism has shaped pop culture, influencing everything from movies to music by emphasizing dramatic elements.
  • The rise of social media has birthed a new wave of sensational content, often used as a tool for virality and public engagement.
  • Sensational events, such as celebrity scandals, often dominate headlines and social discussions, reflecting society's fascination with drama.

Origin of 'sensational'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'sensatio,' meaning 'feeling' or 'perception.'
  • It was first used in English around the mid-19th century, relating to impressive news and entertainment.
  • The root 'sens-' is connected to senses, highlighting the connection between emotion and perception.

The word 'sensational' originated from the Latin word 'sensationalis', meaning 'pertaining to the senses'. It first appeared in English in the 19th century, primarily used in the context of news reporting to describe stories that evoke strong emotions or reactions. Over time, its usage expanded to include performances, works of art, and events that are exceptionally impressive or exciting.

See also: desensitized, hypersensitivity, insensibility, insensible, insensitive, nonsense, nonsensical, nonsensically, sensation, sensations, sense, senseless, senselessly, sensibility, sensible, sensibly, sensitive, sensitivity, sensor, sensory, sensual, sensuous.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,173, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.