Sentiment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sentiment

[หˆsษ›ntษชmษ™nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

analysis

A sentiment is a thought, opinion, or attitude towards something. It can refer to positive, negative, or neutral feelings that a person has about a particular topic.

Synonyms

attitude, emotion, feeling.

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Word Description / Examples
sentiment

Used to describe an opinion or feeling based on emotions rather than facts. It's often used in a more formal or literary context.

  • The politician's speech was full of patriotic sentiment.
  • There is a growing sentiment among the public against the new law.
feeling

Describes a more general and less intense reference to one's emotional state. It can also refer to physical sensations.

  • She had a feeling of unease as she entered the room.
  • I have a feeling that we are going to be late.
attitude

Describes a settled way of thinking or feeling about something. It often reflects a person's outlook or approach to a situation.

  • Her positive attitude helped her overcome many challenges.
  • John's negative attitude towards teamwork can be quite disruptive.
emotion

Refers to intense feelings that are often spontaneous and expressed physically. It's used to describe human feelings like joy, anger, sorrow, and fear.

  • He tried to conceal his emotions during the meeting.
  • The movie evoked a strong emotional response from the audience.

Examples of usage

  • Her sentiment towards the new policy was negative.
  • The sentiment of the crowd was overwhelmingly positive after the speech.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that sentiment can influence decision-making and behavior, as emotions often guide our actions.
  • Sentiment analysis is a technique in psychology and marketing to gauge public opinions on social media and products.
  • Positive and negative sentiments can affect mental health, impacting how individuals perceive their world.

Literature

  • Writers often explore sentiment to deepen character development and engage readers' emotions.
  • Romantic poetry frequently expresses intense sentiments, capturing the essence of love and longing.
  • In novels, the sentiments of characters can propel the plot, affecting their choices and relationships.

Pop Culture

  • Sentiment in songs often drives popularity, tapping into shared feelings like love, heartbreak, or joy.
  • Movies use sentimental elements to connect with audiences, making them relatable or triggering nostalgia.
  • Fan reactions to shows often highlight sentiment, showcasing loyalty and emotional investment in the characters.

Communication

  • In conversations, understanding sentiment helps to interpret underlying emotions and responses.
  • Body language and tone can convey sentiments more effectively than words, adding depth to interactions.
  • Miscommunication often arises when sentiment is not accurately expressed or misinterpreted.

Origin of 'sentiment'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'sentire,' meaning 'to feel.'
  • It evolved through Middle French, where 'sentiment' indicated a sense of feeling or opinion.
  • The shift to modern usage occurred in English during the 18th century, linking emotion with thoughts.

The word 'sentiment' originated from the Latin word 'sentire', which means 'to feel'. Over time, it has evolved to represent a wide range of emotions, opinions, and attitudes towards different subjects. The usage of 'sentiment' in English can be traced back to the 17th century, where it was primarily used in philosophical and literary contexts.


See also: presentiment, sentimental, sentimentalism, sentimentalist, sentimentality, sentimentally, sentiments, unsentimental.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,580, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.