emotion
11 synonyms and 0 antonyms for emotion, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A strong feeling, such as joy, anger, fear, or sadness, often accompanied by physical changes in the body.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use emotion
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From French émotion, from émouvoir ("to excite" or "to stir up"), based on Latin emovere, "to move out" or "agitate."
Full origin of emotion →Frequently asked questions
What does “emotion” mean?
The word “emotion” means a strong feeling, such as joy, anger, fear, or sadness, often accompanied by physical changes in the body. In plain terms, a feeling, like happiness, anger, or fear, that affects how you think and act.
How do you pronounce “emotion”?
“Emotion” is pronounced ih-MOH-shuhn (/ɪˈmoʊ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “emotion” in a sentence?
Here is “emotion” used in a sentence: “She struggled to hide her emotion as she read the letter.”
What is another word for “emotion”?
Words with a similar meaning to “emotion” include kibun, sensation, sentiment, senniment and touch.
What part of speech is “emotion”?
“Emotion” is a noun.
Where does the word “emotion” come from?
The word “emotion” comes from Latin. From French émotion, from émouvoir ("to excite" or "to stir up"), based on Latin emovere, "to move out" or "agitate.".
Is “emotion” a common word?
“Emotion” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "emotion" and "feeling"?
An "emotion" is a strong reaction such as joy, anger, fear, or sadness, often accompanied by physical changes in the body. A "feeling" is a broader, softer word that can also cover physical sensations and milder impressions. In everyday speech the two overlap, but "emotion" usually implies greater intensity.
When should you use "emotion" instead of "mood"?
Use "emotion" for a specific, often intense reaction to something, such as fear at bad news. Use "mood" for a more general, longer-lasting state of mind, such as feeling cheerful all day. An emotion is usually triggered by an event, while a mood can linger without a clear cause.
Is "emotion" countable or uncountable?
"Emotion" can be both. It is countable when referring to specific feelings, as in "conflicting emotions," and uncountable when referring to emotional intensity in general, as in "she spoke with great emotion."
What is the difference between "emotion" and "sentiment"?
An "emotion" is a strong feeling such as joy or anger, often felt physically. A "sentiment" is a view or attitude shaped by feeling, and tends to be gentler and more thoughtful. You experience an emotion, but you express a sentiment.