Emotional

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ɪˈmoʊʃ(ə)nəl/ (American) | /ɪˈməʊʃ(ə)nəl/ (British)

Definitions

1. Relating to a person's emotions.
2. Characterized by strong feelings.
3. Easily affected by or prone to expressing emotions.

Usage Examples

• "She gave an emotional speech at the award ceremony."
• "He became very emotional when talking about his childhood."

Etymology

Derived from the root word emotion (from the French émotion, Latin emovere, meaning "to move out, stir up") combined with the suffix -al, forming an adjective.

Synonyms

• Expressive
• Passionate
• Sentimental
• Intense

Antonyms

• Unemotional
• Detached
• Stoic
• Reserved

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American English, 'oʊ' is pronounced distinctly, while British English uses 'əʊ'. The '-al' ending is usually pronounced as /əl/ in both dialects.

Historical Usage

The word 'emotional' has been used since the 18th century to describe expressions of strong feelings. Over time, it evolved to include both positive and negative connotations, from passionate speeches to exaggerated sensitivity.

Cultural Nuances

The perception of being 'emotional' varies globally. In some cultures, open emotional expression is encouraged, while in others, it is viewed as a sign of weakness. Emotional responses can also vary depending on social norms and upbringing.

More Information

'Emotional' is widely used in psychology, literature, and everyday speech. It plays a crucial role in discussions about mental health, personal relationships, and artistic expression. The term also influences various psychological theories, including emotional intelligence and affective neuroscience.