Sentiment

Definition

Sentiment refers to an attitude, thought, or judgment prompted by feeling or emotion rather than by reason or thought. In another context, it denotes a specific view or notion based on emotion, especially of approval or disapproval.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsɛntɪmənt/
• Respelling: SEN-tuh-muhnt (with "SEN" as in "send," "tuh" as a neutral sound, "muhnt" as in the ending of "moment")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsɛntɪmənt/
• Respelling: SEN-tuh-muhnt (similar to American English, with "SEN" as in "send," "tuh" as a neutral sound, "muhnt" as in the ending of "moment")

This respelling uses "uh" to represent the schwa sound (/ə/), aiming to make the pronunciation guidance more accessible to those unfamiliar with the IPA, while retaining accuracy in depicting how "sentiment" is pronounced in both dialects.

Etymology

The term sentiment originates from the Latin word sentimentum, which is derived from sentire meaning 'to feel'. It made its way into Old French as sentiment and was later adopted by the English in the 14th century.

Derivatives

• Sentimental
• Sentimentality
• Sentimentalize
• Sentimentalist
• Sentimentalism

Synonyms

• Emotion
• Feeling
• Opinion

Antonyms

• Fact
• Reality
• Dispassion

Usage

Sentiment is broadly utilized in discussions about emotional or moral responses, especially in literary, social science, and political contexts. It's often used to indicate a person's emotional response or attitude towards a particular issue or situation.

Related Terms

• Affect
• Emotive
• Mood
• Sensibility
• Perception

Detailed Definition

Noun:

• A view or attitude toward a situation or event; an opinion based more on feelings than on reason.
• Example: Public sentiment on the issue is overwhelmingly positive.

• Emotional or personal feelings.
• Example: His decision was driven by personal sentiment rather than objective facts.

• A refined or tender emotion; a manifestation of the higher or more refined feelings.
• Example: The movie was filled with moments of sweet sentiment.