emotional

[ih-moh-shuh-nl]

adjective

1. pertaining to or involving emotion or the emotions.

2. subject to or easily affected by emotion.

   We are an emotional family, given to demonstrations of affection.

   Synonyms: sentimental, demonstrative, effusive, temperamental
   Antonyms: inexpressive, unsentimental, undemonstrative

3. appealing to the emotions.

   an emotional request for contributions.

4. showing or revealing very strong emotions.

   an emotional scene in a play.

5. actuated, effected, or determined by emotion rather than reason.

   An emotional decision is often a wrong decision.

6. governed by emotion.

   He is in a highly emotional state of mind.

emotional

/ ɪˈməʊʃənəl /

adjective

1. of, characteristic of, or expressive of emotion

2. readily or excessively affected by emotion

3. appealing to or arousing emotion

   an emotional piece of music

4. caused, determined, or actuated by emotion rather than reason

   an emotional argument

Other Word Forms

• emotionally adverb
• hyperemotional adjective
• hyperemotionally adverb
• nonemotional adjective
• nonemotionally adverb
• overemotional adjective
• overemotionally adverb
• preemotional adjective
• preemotionally adverb
• pseudoemotional adjective
• pseudoemotionally adverb
• quasi-emotional adjective
• quasi-emotionally adverb
• semiemotional adjective
• semiemotionally adverb
• unemotional adjective
• unemotionally adverb
• emotionality noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of emotional¹

First recorded in 1840–50; emotion + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Months later, he filed a countersuit alleging property damage and emotional distress, but the case was dismissed, according to court records.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Hopefully it will be emotional and loud and have the character of a derby," Tuchel said.

Read more on BBC

On Tuesday, Jane Richardson, chief executive of National Museum Wales, described footage of the burglary as "emotional to watch".

Read more on BBC

"So it's going to be interesting to see if they immerse themselves in the game, because I know for certain it's really difficult not to get involved and emotional, and play the game wholeheartedly."

Read more on BBC

Its production designer, Cabot McMullen, has talked about how Craftsman’s sense of warmth and safety helps offset the intense emotional experiences of some of the show’s characters.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• affecting 
• exciting 
• heated 
• hysterical 
• impassioned 
• moving 
• nervous 
• passionate 
• poignant 
• sensitive 
• sentimental 
• spontaneous 
• touching