The word "feeling" can refer to an emotional state, a physical sensation, or an intuition. Here are some of its synonyms and an analysis of them:
1. Emotion
- Meaning: A strong feeling such as love, hate, joy, or anger that derives from one's circumstances, mood, or relationships with others. For example, "He was overwhelmed by a flood of emotions when he saw his long - lost friend."
- Similarity to "feeling": Both "feeling" and "emotion" deal with internal states that affect a person's psychological and often physical state. They are used to describe the non - physical aspects of our experiences that influence our behavior and reactions.
- Difference: "Emotion" is often stronger and more intense than a general "feeling." Emotions are usually more clearly defined and recognized as distinct psychological states like anger, fear, or happiness. A feeling can be a more subtle or less - defined sense, such as a general feeling of unease that might not have a specific emotional label like anxiety.
2. Sensation
- Meaning: A physical feeling or perception resulting from something that happens to or comes into contact with the body. For example, "She had a strange sensation in her fingertips after touching the cold metal."
- Similarity to "feeling": When "feeling" refers to a physical sense, it's very similar to "sensation." They both describe the body's response to external or internal stimuli.
- Difference: "Sensation" is more focused on the physical aspect and the immediate perception of a stimulus. "Feeling" can have a broader meaning that includes both physical and emotional aspects. For example, you can have a feeling of warmth (physical), but you can also have a feeling of warmth as in a feeling of friendliness or comfort (emotional).
3. Sentiment
- Meaning: A view or opinion that is held or expressed, often accompanied by an emotional tone. For example, "His patriotic sentiment was evident in his passionate speech."
- Similarity to "feeling": Sentiments are related to feelings as they involve an emotional stance towards something. They both express an internal state that can influence how a person thinks or acts.
- Difference: "Sentiment" is more about an attitude or a belief that is colored by emotion. It's often used to describe a more complex set of emotions and ideas related to a particular topic, like a political or moral sentiment. "Feeling" can be more immediate and less about a developed view. For example, a sentiment about social justice might involve a combination of feelings like anger at injustice and a desire for fairness.
4. Intuition
- Meaning: The ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning. For example, "She had an intuition that something was wrong, even though there was no evidence."
- Similarity to "feeling": When "feeling" refers to an intuitive sense, they are similar. Both involve a kind of internal awareness that isn't necessarily based on factual information.
- Difference: "Intuition" emphasizes the cognitive aspect of a gut - feeling. It's about a sense of knowing that comes from within. "Feeling" can be more about the emotional or physical experience that might lead to that intuitive sense. For example, an intuition might tell you a decision is right, while a feeling might be the uneasiness or confidence that underlies that intuition.
5. Impression
- Meaning: An idea, feeling, or opinion about something or someone, especially one formed without conscious thought or on the basis of little evidence. For example, "His first impression of the new city was one of excitement."
- Similarity to "feeling": They both involve a kind of internal response to a stimulus. An impression can include a feeling about a person, place, or thing.
- Difference: "Impression" is more about the overall perception that is formed. It can involve a combination of visual, auditory, and other sensory inputs as well as feelings. "Feeling" can be more about the emotional or physical response in isolation. For example, you can have a feeling of dislike for a person, but your impression of them might also include how they look, talk, etc.