# sentiment

/ˈsɛnəmənt/ (US) · /sˈɛntɪmənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sentiment
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. opinion or feeling

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

an opinion or a feeling you have about a situation.

For teachers: a general thought, feeling, or attitude expressed toward a subject. Often used in formal contexts to describe public or market opinion.

- I agree with the sentiment that we need more parks in the city.
- Market sentiment remained cautious as investors waited for the central bank to announce its latest decision on interest rates.

Usage: Often used with the verbs 'echo' or 'share' to show agreement.

### 2. tender emotion

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

gentle or romantic feelings, sometimes when they seem a bit silly or too emotional.

For teachers: emotional reflection or tender feelings, often contrasted with reason or practical judgment.

- There is no room for sentiment in a tough business deal.
- The old house held great sentimental value for her, though its crumbling walls were a practical nightmare.

Usage: Frequently appears in the phrase 'sentimental value'.

## Examples

- Public sentiment toward the new law is mostly positive.
- Market sentiment shifted quickly after the central bank announced it would raise interest rates.
- The speech was designed to appeal to nationalist sentiment, bypassing logical policy arguments in favor of shared cultural grievances and historical pride.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.