emotional
ih-MOH-shuh-nuhl
Emotional (adj) means relating to feelings rather than logic or fact. Example: “The debate turned into an emotional argument rather than a factual one.”
adj
1
Relating to feelings rather than logic or fact.
"The debate turned into an emotional argument rather than a factual one."
"It was an emotional decision, not a sensible one."
"Don't make emotional choices when you're angry; think it over first."
2
Easily affected by or quick to show feelings, especially in a way that produces visible reaction such as tears.
"She got emotional at her daughter's graduation."
"He's not usually an emotional person, but the reunion clearly moved him."
"The old song made him emotional, and he had to look away."
How to use emotional
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo do with feelings — either describing something that involves feelings, or someone who shows their feelings easily.
Common pairings
emotional support
emotional response
get emotional
emotional damage
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Word forms
- Plural
- emotionals
- Comparative
- more emotional
- Superlative
- most emotional
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The debate turned into an _____ argument rather than a factual one.
Etymology
From emotion + the adjective suffix -al.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
unemotional
cerebral
Related words
Rhymes for emotional
coronal
rational
diagonal
personal
seasonal
national
optional
regional
hormonal
hexagonal
fictional
irrational
See all rhymes for emotional →
Frequently asked questions
What does “emotional” mean?
The word “emotional” means relating to feelings rather than logic or fact. In plain terms, to do with feelings — either describing something that involves feelings, or someone who shows their feelings easily.
How do you pronounce “emotional”?
“Emotional” is pronounced ih-MOH-shuh-nuhl (/ɪˈmoʊʃənəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “emotional” in a sentence?
Here is “emotional” used in a sentence: “The debate turned into an emotional argument rather than a factual one.”
What part of speech is “emotional”?
“Emotional” is an adjective.
Is “emotional” a common word?
“Emotional” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “emotional” have?
“Emotional” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to feelings rather than logic or fact.
What is the difference between emotional and logical?
Emotional relates to feelings — how something affects the heart. Logical relates to reason — what makes sense based on facts and clear thinking. An emotional decision follows what feels right, while a logical one follows evidence and consequences. People often balance both, letting feeling and reason inform a choice together.
Does emotional have a positive or negative meaning?
It can be either. Emotional simply means relating to or driven by feelings, which is neutral. Positively, it suggests warmth, passion, and sensitivity. Negatively, calling someone emotional can imply they are overly reactive or not thinking clearly. Tone and context decide whether it reads as a compliment or a criticism.
What is the difference between emotional and sensitive?
Emotional describes something relating to or full of feeling — an emotional speech or reaction. Sensitive describes a tendency to feel things deeply or to be easily affected. A sensitive person may respond emotionally, but "sensitive" points to the trait, while "emotional" points to the feeling being shown in the moment.
What is an example of emotional?
A tearful goodbye at an airport is an emotional moment. So is a speech that moves an audience, a song that stirs old memories, or a decision made from the heart rather than cold calculation. Each involves strong feelings rather than pure logic or fact.
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