Sentimentalist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sentimentalist
[หsen.tษช.men.tษหlษชst ]
Definition
person who is excessively sentimental
A sentimentalist is a person who is excessively sentimental, especially in a way that is considered to be overly emotional or unrealistic. Sentimentalists tend to focus on emotions and feelings rather than logic or practicality.
Synonyms
emotionalist, romantic, softie.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sentimentalist |
Duplicate entry as above.
|
| romantic |
Typically used to describe someone who has an idealistic view of love and relationships. It can also refer to someone who appreciates beauty, adventure, and the mysterious aspects of life.
|
| emotionalist |
Refers to someone who is guided by emotions rather than logic and reason. It emphasizes a strong susceptibility to emotions and might have a slightly negative connotation.
|
| softie |
Casual and often affectionate term for someone who is gentle, kind, and perhaps easily moved to tears. It is usually used in an endearing way.
|
Examples of usage
- He is such a sentimentalist, always crying during romantic movies.
- Don't be such a sentimentalist, sometimes you need to be practical.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Sentimentalism as a literary movement began during the 18th century, emphasizing emotion and personal experience over reason.
- Famous authors like Jean-Jacques Rousseau championed sentimentalism, arguing that emotions are integral to the human experience.
Psychology
- Sentimentalists might be more in tune with their emotions and the feelings of others, making them more empathetic.
- Research shows that recalling sentimental memories can enhance happiness and reduce stress.
Pop Culture
- Movies that focus on deep relationships and emotional journeys often appeal to sentimentalists, such as 'The Notebook' or 'Titanic.'
- Songs that evoke nostalgia and longing, like those by The Beatles or Adele, resonate well with sentimental souls.
Philosophy
- Sentimentalism is often contrasted with rationalism, which prioritizes logic and reason over feelings.
- Philosophers like David Hume argued that emotions play a crucial role in moral judgments and human behavior.
Origin of 'sentimentalist'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the late 18th century and is derived from 'sentiment,' which means a feeling or emotion.
- The suffix '-alist' indicates someone who practices or advocates a particular ideology, linking the term to emotional appreciation.
The word 'sentimentalist' originated in the late 18th century from the word 'sentimental,' which itself comes from the French word 'sentimental,' meaning 'involving or relating to feelings.' Sentimentalists were often associated with the Romantic movement, which emphasized emotions and individualism. Over time, the word has come to describe someone who is excessively emotional or sentimental.
See also: presentiment, sentiment, sentimental, sentimentalism, sentimentality, sentimentally, sentiments, unsentimental.