English · Emotions & Feelings
sentimentality
/ˌsen.tɪ.menˈtæl.ɪ.ti/
[/ˌsen.tɪ.menˈtæl.ɪ.ti/]
excessive tender feeling
Advancednoun
Definition
The quality of feeling or showing tender emotion, sometimes in excess.
Example
The film's open sentimentality moved some viewers to tears and made others quietly roll their eyes.
The film's open sentimentality moved some viewers to tears and made others quietly roll their eyes.
Etymology
From 'sentiment' (Latin 'sentire', to feel) plus '-ality'.
How & Where It’s Used
Often mildly critical, suggesting emotion that is overdone or unearned.