sentiment
SEN-tih-muhnt
/ˈsɛntɪmənt/
A feeling, emotion, or attitude toward something, often influenced by nostalgia or personal connection.
Sentiment is a refined, thought-infused emotion. It is more stable than a passing mood and is deeply tied to memories and personal values.
The story behind the word. The Latin verb 'sentire' meant to feel or perceive through the senses. In medieval times, 'sentement' referred to a personal opinion or a mental feeling. During the 18th century, the Age of Sensibility, the word evolved to emphasize tender, refined emotions and the capacity to feel deeply for others.
Word relationships
- feeling: 'Feeling' is a broad term for any emotional or physical state, while 'sentiment' specifically involves a structured, thought-based emotional attitude.
- opinion: 'Opinion' is a belief based on facts or logic, whereas 'sentiment' is an opinion heavily shaped by emotion and personal values.
- apathy: 'Apathy' is a complete lack of feeling, emotion, or concern.
- coldness: 'Coldness' is the absence of warm, sympathetic emotions.
Commonly confused with
- sentimentality: 'Sentimentality' is often used negatively to describe excessive, shallow, or self-indulgent emotion (being 'sappy'), whereas 'sentiment' is a genuine, respected feeling.
Word family
- sentimental (adjective): Prompted by feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia.
- sentimentally (adverb): In a sentimental way.
Collocations
- sentimental value
- popular sentiment
- express a sentiment
- cloying sentiment
Example sentences
- "The cheap plastic ring had no monetary value, but the sentiment behind it made it irreplaceable." Explaining why an old item is kept.
Memory hook
Sentiment contains 'sent'. A letter 'sent' by a loved one is full of sentiment. A sentiment is a feeling sent from the heart.
When not to use
Do not use to describe raw, physical sensations (like cold or hunger) or purely logical, emotionless conclusions.
Fun facts
- In financial markets, 'investor sentiment' refers to the general attitude of traders toward the market, showing how the word has traveled from poetry to Wall Street.
Related words
Explore more words
sentimental, nostalgia, heartfelt, attachment, keepsake, fondness
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