The word "sentimentally" is spelled phonetically in accordance with the International Phonetic Alphabet as sɛntɪ'mɛntəli. This word describes someone or something that is emotionally affected or driven by feelings of sentiment or nostalgia. The pronunciation of 'sentimentally' includes the schwa vowel sound in the unstressed syllables, as well as a stress on the second syllable '-men.' The 't' and 'l' sounds at the end of the word are both pronounced, creating a soft and gentle finish to the word.
Sentimentally is an adverb that describes a manner, action, or expression characterized by strong emotions and feelings, often associated with tenderness, nostalgia, or affection. It refers to engaging in behaviors or actions driven by sentiment or sentimentality.
In the context of emotions, sentimentally carries a connotation of being driven by sentiment rather than rational thought. It implies being influenced primarily by one's emotions, rather than logical reasoning or practical considerations. When someone acts sentimentally, they may be guided by their deep personal feelings, memories, or attachments, which can sometimes supersede rational decision-making.
Sentimentally can also describe one's fondness for or emotional attachment to certain objects, traditions, or memories, often associated with a somewhat idealized and romanticized perspective. It may involve cherishing sentimental objects for their emotional significance rather than their practical value, or harboring nostalgic feelings towards the past.
Additionally, sentimentally can indicate a tendency to express affection, tenderness, or sympathy in an exaggerated or overly emotional way. It suggests an inclination towards sentimental expression, often through sentimental gestures or sentimental language, in order to evoke strong sentimental responses from others. This can betoken a person's inclination towards romanticism, or a heightened sensitivity towards sentimental aspects of life.
The word "sentimentally" has the following etymology:
1. The base word is "sentiment", which comes from the Latin word "sentimentum". This Latin word originally referred to a way of thinking or feeling, and later came to mean "opinion" or "emotion".
2. The suffix "-al" is added to "sentiment", forming the adjective "sentimental". This suffix is derived from the Latin suffix "-alis", used to form adjectives, meaning "relating to" or "pertaining to".
3. Finally, the adverbial form "sentimentally" is created by adding the suffix "-ly" to "sentimental". The suffix "-ly" is of Germanic origin and is used to form adverbs from adjectives.