Definition of SENTIMENT (original) (raw)
1
a
: an attitude, thought, or judgment prompted by feeling : predilection
b
: a specific view or notion : opinion
2
b
: refined feeling : delicate sensibility especially as expressed in a work of art
3
a
: an idea colored by emotion
b
: the emotional significance of a passage or expression as distinguished from its verbal context
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for sentiment
feeling, emotion, affection, sentiment, passion mean a subjective response to a person, thing, or situation.
feeling denotes any partly mental, partly physical response marked by pleasure, pain, attraction, or repulsion; it may suggest the mere existence of a response but imply nothing about the nature or intensity of it.
the feelings that once moved me are gone
emotion carries a strong implication of excitement or agitation but, like feeling, encompasses both positive and negative responses.
the drama portrays the emotions of adolescence
affection applies to feelings that are also inclinations or likings.
a memoir of childhood filled with affection for her family
sentiment often implies an emotion inspired by an idea.
her feminist sentiments are well known
passion suggests a very powerful or controlling emotion.
revenge became his ruling passion
each expert seemed to have a different opinion
view suggests a subjective opinion.
very assertive in stating his views
belief implies often deliberate acceptance and intellectual assent.
a firm belief in her party's platform
conviction applies to a firmly and seriously held belief.
the conviction that animal life is as sacred as human
persuasion suggests a belief grounded on assurance (as by evidence) of its truth.
was of the persuasion that everything changes
sentiment suggests a settled opinion reflective of one's feelings.
her feminist sentiments are well-known
Examples of sentiment in a Sentence
His criticism of the court's decision expresses a sentiment that is shared by many people. an expression of antiwar sentiments She likes warmth and sentiment in a movie. You have to be tough to succeed in the business world. There's no room for sentiment.
Word History
Etymology
French or Medieval Latin; French, from Medieval Latin sentimentum, from Latin sentire
First Known Use
1639, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of sentiment was in 1639
Dictionary Entries Near sentiment
Cite this Entry
“Sentiment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sentiment. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.
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Last Updated: 27 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences
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