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What is the Meaning of “Emotion”?

Emotion
/ɪˈmoʊʃən/

A strong feeling such as happiness, sadness, anger, or fear that you experience in response to situations.

Definition of Emotion

Quick Meaning of Emotion

A strong feeling such as happiness, sadness, anger, or fear that you experience in response to situations.

Detailed Definition of Emotion

A strong feeling or state of mind caused by circumstances, mood, or experience.

How to Pronounce Emotion

IPA: /ɪˈmoʊʃən/
e mo tion

Stress pattern: oOo (3-syllable word).

Tip: Stress on second syllable: ee-MOH-shun. The 'o' sound is long like in 'go'.

Watch out: Some learners say 'ee-MOSH-un' with stress on first syllable.

Full pronunciation guide for “emotion” →

Origin and Etymology of Emotion

From French 'émotion' (1593), from Latin 'emovere' meaning to stir up or disturb.

How to Use Emotion in a Sentence

Each example shows “emotion” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.

  • “Joy is an emotion she felt when she won the competition.”
    A2 daily
  • “He tried to control his emotions during the difficult conversation.”
    B1 daily
  • “Understanding emotions helps improve emotional intelligence at work.”
    B1 formal

Synonyms and Antonyms of Emotion

Common Synonyms for Emotion

Smart Synonyms for Emotion — When to Use Each

feeling
general and everyday term for any emotion
mood
describes the emotional state over a period of
sentiment
more formal when discussing opinions or attitudes

See all synonyms for “emotion” →

Common Collocations with Emotion

These phrases pair with “emotion” in everyday English:

  • express emotion
  • intense emotion
  • control emotions
  • emotional response
  • mix of emotions

Common Mistakes When Using Emotion

Even fluent speakers slip up with “emotion”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:

✗ Wrong: She felt many emotions in that moment.
✓ Correct: She felt strong emotions in that moment.
Why: Use 'strong' or 'intense' rather than 'many' with emotions.
✗ Wrong: Emotions are very important for your health.
✓ Correct: Managing emotions is important for your health.
Why: Be specific about which aspect matters (expressing, managing, understanding emotions).

Other Forms of Emotion

Frequently Asked Questions About Emotion

What is the meaning of "Emotion"?

A strong feeling such as happiness, sadness, anger, or fear that you experience in response to situations.

How do you pronounce "Emotion"?

The IPA is /ɪˈmoʊʃən/. Stress on second syllable: ee-MOH-shun. The 'o' sound is long like in 'go'.

What part of speech is "Emotion"?

"Emotion" is a noun at A2 level (Common European Framework).

What are synonyms for "Emotion"?

Common synonyms include feeling, sentiment, mood.

How do you use "Emotion" in a sentence?

For example: "Joy is an emotion she felt when she won the competition."

Explore Emotion in Other Tools