Word
emotionally
Phoneticsemo·tion·al·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈiˌmoʊʃnəɫi/
UK/ɪmˈəʊʃənəli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01regarding feelings
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in a way that relates to a person's feelings or mental state.
adv. pertaining to the psychological or emotional state of an individual.
“Moving to a new country can be emotionally difficult for many people.”
“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'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02with strong feeling
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in a way that shows strong feelings, like crying or speaking with passion.
adv. in a manner characterized by the outward expression of intense emotion.
“She spoke emotionally about how much she missed her family.”
“The witness reacted emotionally when shown the photographs, eventually requiring a brief recess to compose herself.”
Usage
Typically modifies verbs of communication or reaction.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “emotionally” in context.
Verb
01. connect emotionally
“The film was visually stunning, but I failed to connect emotionally with any of the characters.”
verb + adv
02. invest emotionally
“If you invest emotionally in every project, you might find it hard to accept constructive criticism.”
verb + adv
03. react emotionally
“Try to look at the facts of the case rather than reacting emotionally to the news reports.”
verb + adv
04. support the family emotionally
“After the accident, his friends gathered to support the family emotionally during the recovery.”
verb + noun + adv
Adjective
05. emotionally attached
“It is difficult to sell your childhood home when you are still so emotionally attached to it.”
adv + adj
06. emotionally draining
“Working as a social worker can be emotionally draining, so self-care is essential.”
adv + adj
07. emotionally stable
“Employers often look for candidates who remain emotionally stable under high-pressure situations.”
adv + adj
08. emotionally unavailable
“He realized he was dating someone who was emotionally unavailable and decided to end the relationship.”
adv + adj
Real-World Examples
“The musician feels people want to "connect emotionally with music" and he thinks "AI can't really do that".” “She said she felt “financially trapped” and that it was “both physically and emotionally relentless at times”.” “Frazer and Caitlin have been emotionally entwined since schooldays.” “She checks in from time to time but no longer relies on it emotionally.” Etymology
From emotional + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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