The word "sentimentalists" can be spelled as /ˌsentɪˈmɛntəlɪsts/. The first syllable "sent" is pronounced like "sent" in "sentence". The second syllable "i" is pronounced like "ih" in "it". The third syllable "men" is pronounced like "men" in "men's room". The fourth syllable "tal" is pronounced like "tal" in "tall". The fifth syllable "ists" is pronounced like "ists" in "artists". "Sentimentalists" refers to people who are overly emotional or sappy in their feelings and reactions.
Sentimentalists, noun plural (sen-tuh-men-tuhl-ists)
1. Individuals who adhere to or exhibit strong emotions, feelings, or sentimental attachments in their actions, thoughts, or expressions.
2. People characterized by their tendency to be highly influenced by or sensitive to sentimental or emotional considerations, often allowing their feelings and emotions to guide their decisions and judgments.
3. Members of a particular philosophical or artistic movement that places great importance on emotions, feelings, and subjective experiences as the driving force behind human existence, creativity, and interpretation of the world.
4. Individuals who display a fondness for or appreciation of sentimental or nostalgic objects, activities, literature, music, or art, and who derive pleasure or comfort from reliving or evoking emotional experiences.
5. Individuals who possess a strong sentimental streak, being nostalgic or exuding strong feelings of deep affection, tenderness, compassion, or empathy towards other people, animals, places, or memories, often finding sentimental value in even the most mundane aspects of life.
In summary, sentimentalists are individuals who are characterized by their robust emotional nature, either in their personal conduct, artistic endeavors, or philosophical beliefs. They can be described as being influenced deeply by sentimental considerations, often relying on emotions and subjective experiences to shape their actions and perceptions. They may also display a strong fondness for sentimental objects, and possess a noticeable sentimentality or nostalgic streak, finding emotional value and resonance in various aspects of life.
The word sentimentalist is derived from the noun sentiment, which comes from the Old French word sentiment or sentir meaning to feel. It entered the English language in the late 17th century through the philosophical writings of René Descartes and his followers. Sentiment originally referred to the capacity to experience emotions or feelings.
The suffix -al is added to the noun sentiment to form the adjective sentimental, meaning characterized by or inclined to sentiment or emotions. Then, the suffix -ist is added to form the noun sentimentalist, referring to a person who is prone to sentimentality or excessive emotional or romantic feelings.
Overall, the etymology of sentimentalists can be traced back to the Latin word sentimentum, which means feeling or opinion.