emotion
ih-MOH-shuhn
Emotion (noun) means a strong feeling, such as joy, anger, fear, or sadness, often accompanied by physical changes in the body. Example: “Her voice shook with emotion as she thanked everyone for coming.”
noun
1
A strong feeling, such as joy, anger, fear, or sadness, often accompanied by physical changes in the body.
"Her voice shook with emotion as she thanked everyone for coming."
"She struggled to hide her emotion as she read the letter."
"Fear is a basic emotion shared by humans and many animals."
2
Feeling as opposed to reason; the emotional side of a person's response to something.
"Try not to let emotion cloud your judgement when you make the decision."
"He argued with cold logic, while she appealed to emotion."
"Good leaders know when to rely on reason and when to listen to emotion."
How to use emotion
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA feeling, like happiness, anger, or fear, that affects how you think and act.
Common pairings
strong emotion
show emotion
mixed emotions
overcome with emotion
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Word forms
- Plural
- emotions
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Etymology
From French émotion, from émouvoir ("to excite" or "to stir up"), based on Latin emovere, "to move out" or "agitate."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for emotion
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for 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.
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