emotional

adjective

emo·​tion·​al i-ˈmō-sh(ə-)nəl 

1

: of or relating to emotion

an emotional disorder

2

: dominated by or prone to emotion

an emotional person

3

: appealing to or arousing emotion

an emotional sermon

4

: markedly aroused or agitated in feeling or sensibilities

gets emotional at weddings

emotionally

i-ˈmō-sh(ə-)nə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• ardent
• blazing
• burning
• charged
• demonstrative
• fervent
• fervid
• feverish
• fiery
• flaming
• glowing
• hot-blooded
• impassioned
• incandescent
• intense
• passional
• passionate
• perfervid
• red-hot
• religious
• superheated
• torrid
• vehement
• warm
• warm-blooded

Examples of emotional in a Sentence

He's a very emotional person.

worship at revival meetings often takes a markedly emotional form

Recent Examples on the Web

Nostalgia was found to improve emotional wellbeing by increasing their sense of gratitude. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024

Nicholas Weinstock, president of Invention Studios, pointed to the irony of digging into local and especially emotional content that had the potential to resonate with international audiences as the best survival strategy in today’s global market. —Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Dec. 2024

Venus’ entrance to Aquarius and your zone of home and roots intensify your need for emotional security. —USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024

Research suggests that mindfulness therapy can reduce emotional reactions and negative thinking. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 7 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing emotional

• emotional blackmail
• emotional intelligence
• emotional quotient
• hyper-emotional

Kids Definition

emotional

adjective

emo·​tion·​al i-ˈmō-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

1

: of or relating to the emotions

an emotional upset

2

: likely to show or express emotion : easily moved

an emotional person

3

: causing one to feel emotion

an emotional speech

emotionally

-ē 

adverb