Sentimentally Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ข
sentimentally
[หsษntษชหmษntษli ]
Definitions
expressing or appealing to tender emotions
In a sentimental manner; with tender emotions or feelings.
Synonyms
affectionately, emotionally, tenderly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sentimentally |
Used to describe an excessive or self-indulgent appeal to emotions, often in a nostalgic or idealized way. It sometimes carries a negative connotation as being overly emotional.
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| emotionally |
Used to describe situations that involve strong feelings or are meant to elicit a strong emotional response.
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| affectionately |
Used to show affection or fondness, usually in a warm, loving way towards someone. Often expresses physical or emotional warmth.
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| tenderly |
Used when describing gentle, loving actions or feelings, often in a caring manner towards someone else.
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Examples of usage
- She looked at him sentimentally, with tears in her eyes.
- He spoke sentimentally about his childhood memories.
- The movie ended sentimentally, leaving the audience in tears.
in a way that is excessively or mawkishly emotional
In a way that is excessively or mawkishly emotional.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sentimentally |
Used when describing actions or thoughts influenced by strong feelings of affection, nostalgia, or sadness. Generally conveys a sense of deep emotional attachment.
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| mawkishly |
Refers to an overly sentimental manner, often to the point of being sickening or insincere. Carries a negative connotation.
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| soppy |
Describes an excess of sentimentality, often seen as overly emotional or cheesy. Typically has a slightly negative connotation.
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| maudlin |
Often implies an over-sentimental or tearful display, usually in a way that might seem exaggerated or insincere. Can have a slightly negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- She smiled sentimentally at the old photograph, remembering the past.
- He sighed sentimentally as he recalled his first love.
- The speech ended sentimentally, with a dramatic flourish.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Sentimentalism in literature often emphasizes emotion over reason, frequently found in romantic poetry and Victorian novels.
- Classic narratives, such as those by Charles Dickens, use sentimentality to evoke empathy for characters and their struggles.
- The sentimental genre flourished in the 19th century, celebrating human feelings and unique emotional experiences.
Psychology
- Sentimental feelings can trigger nostalgia, a complex emotion that connects past experiences with present feelings.
- Research shows that sentimental attachments can strengthen relationships by reinforcing bonds through shared memories.
- Excessive sentimentality may lead to unrealistic expectations or a distorted view of reality, impacting emotional health.
Pop Culture
- In movies and music, sentimentality often drives narratives, connecting audiences to emotional moments like love and loss.
- Films like 'The Notebook' embody sentimentality, capturing love stories that evoke strong emotional reactions from viewers.
- Sentimental songs frequently become anthems for personal experiences, touching listeners and causing emotional reflections.
Cultural Perspectives
- Different cultures express sentimentality in unique ways, often tied to traditions and communal memories.
- In some cultures, objects that evoke sentimental value, like heirlooms, are treasured for their emotional significance.
- The practice of reminiscing about oneโs childhood or familial relationships is a form of cultural sentimentality prevalent across societies.
Origin of 'sentimentally'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin 'sentire', meaning 'to feel', combined with the suffix '-ment', which conveys a state or condition.
- It appeared in English in the late 18th century, evolving from the term 'sentimental', which pertains to emotion or feeling.
- Over time, the meaning has expanded, often encompassing both positive and negative emotional responses.
The word 'sentimentally' is derived from the word 'sentimental,' which originated in the 18th century from the French word 'sentimental,' meaning 'of or prompted by feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia.' The term gained popularity in the Romantic era, where emotions and feelings were highly valued in literature and art. Over time, 'sentimentally' has come to be used to describe expressions of tender emotions as well as excessive or mawkish displays of emotion.
See also: presentiment, sentiment, sentimental, sentimentalism, sentimentalist, sentimentality, sentiments, unsentimental.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #32,929 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
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- 32926 grossing
- 32927 stentorian
- 32928 munch
- 32929 sentimentally
- 32930 outdid
- 32931 monosyllable
- 32932 filthiness
- ...