sentimentality etymology

Etymology:

  • Latin: "sentire" (to feel) + "-mentalis" (of or relating to the mind)
  • French: "sentimentalisme"

Meaning:

  • Excessive or exaggerated emotionalism or nostalgia
  • A tendency to be overly sentimental or to indulge in reminiscing

Origin:

Sentimentality emerged as a concept during the 18th century Enlightenment, when there was a shift away from rationalism towards重視 feeling and emotion.

  • Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778): Rousseau's emphasis on the importance of natural emotions and the value of childhood contributed to the rise of sentimentality.
  • Samuel Richardson (1689-1761): Richardson's novels, such as "Pamela" and "Clarissa Harlowe," featured emotionally charged characters and plots that appealed to readers' sentimental sensibilities.
  • Laurence Sterne (1713-1768): Sterne's novel "A Sentimental Journey through France and Italy" (1768) is considered a classic example of sentimental literature. It depicts a traveler who experiences a series of emotional and sentimental encounters.

Sentimentality became a dominant literary and cultural trend in Europe during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It was later criticized for its excessive emotionalism and lack of realism. However, it continues to be a recognized characteristic in art, literature, and human behavior.

sentimentality relate terms

  • sentimental

    Etymology Latin sentimentum feeling thought Old French sentement feeling emot

  • sentiment

    Etymology The word sentiment comes from the Latin word sentire meaning to feel or

  • sentimentalism

    Etymology From French sentimentalisme from sentiment from Latin sentimen feeling t

  • sentimental

    Etymology Latin sentimentum feeling thought Old French sentement feeling emot

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  • schmaltz

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  • sentiment

    Etymology The word sentiment comes from the Latin word sentire meaning to feel or

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  • pastoral

    Etymology The word pastoral derives from the Latin word pastor meaning shepherd I

  • rejoice

    Etymology The word rejoice comes from the Middle English word rejoisen which is deri

  • catharsis

    Etymology Greek κάθαρσις katharsis meaning purification cleansing Me

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