English Reference
adverb

emotionally

adv.
US /ˈiˌmoʊʃnəɫi/ UK /ɪmˈəʊʃənəli/ emo·tion·al·ly

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    in a way that relates to a person's feelings or mental state.

    pertaining to the psychological or emotional state of an individual.

    Simple

    Moving to a new country can be emotionally difficult for many people.

    In context

    The therapist noted that while the patient was physically recovering, he remained emotionally fragile following the accident.

    Usage

    Often used to modify adjectives like 'draining', 'stable', or 'attached'.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    in a way that shows strong feelings, like crying or speaking with passion.

    in a manner characterized by the outward expression of intense emotion.

    Simple

    She spoke emotionally about how much she missed her family.

    In context

    The witness reacted emotionally when shown the photographs, eventually requiring a brief recess to compose herself.

    Usage

    Typically modifies verbs of communication or reaction.

    coldlyimpassionately

The musician feels people want to "connect emotionally with music" and he thinks "AI can't really do that".

BBC News· 12 Aug 2026

She said she felt “financially trapped” and that it was “both physically and emotionally relentless at times”.

The Guardian· 11 Aug 2026

From emotional + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated