sentimentality
sentimentality Lexical Profile
sentimentality Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The quality or state of being excessively, superficially, or self-indulgently governed by tender emotions such as nostalgia, sadness, or affection rather than reason.
"The director managed to tell a deeply moving story about family loss without ever lapsing into cheap sentimentality."
An instance, expression, or act of overly tender or nostalgic feeling (often used in the plural).
"They exchanged a few fond sentimentalities about their college days before returning to the business agenda."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'sentiment' refers neutrally to a view, attitude, or tender feeling, 'sentimentality' frequently carries a mildly disapproving connotation of excessive, self-indulgent, or superficial emotion.
• Rhymes for sentimentality
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the mid-18th century from the adjective 'sentimental' plus the noun suffix '-ity', ultimately tracing back to the Medieval Latin 'sentimentum' and the Latin verb 'sentire', meaning 'to feel' or 'to perceive'.