The phrase "sinking feeling" refers to an overwhelming sense of dread or disappointment. Its pronunciation is /sɪŋkɪŋ fiːlɪŋ/, with the "s" sound at the beginning and the "k" sound in the middle indicating the word's meaning of sinking or descending. The "i" sounds in both words are pronounced as a short "ih" sound, while the "e" sounds are pronounced as a long "ee" sound. The final "ng" sound in "sinking" and "feeling" is pronounced as a velar nasal sound, using the back of the tongue against the soft palate.
The phrase "sinking feeling" refers to a strong sense of unease, discomfort, or foreboding that one experiences in certain situations. This term is often used to describe an emotional state where an individual suddenly feels a heavy weight or a downward pull, as if they are sinking metaphorically into a state of despair, anxiety, or disappointment.
This expression typically arises from a realization or understanding that something negative or distressing is occurring or is about to happen. It is often associated with a sudden loss of hope, as if one's expectations or dreams are crumbling or becoming unattainable. The sinking feeling can manifest both physically and mentally, with a sensation of heaviness in the chest and a pang of sadness or fear in the mind.
The sinking feeling is commonly triggered by various circumstances, such as receiving bad news, experiencing a setback, or recognizing an impending failure. It can also arise from a gut instinct or intuition that warns the individual about a negative outcome or a potential danger. The sinking feeling serves as an unconscious alert that prompts an individual to be cautious, pay attention, or take appropriate action to mitigate any possible negative consequences.
Ultimately, the sinking feeling is a visceral and subjective experience that illustrates the powerful impact our emotions can have on our physical and mental state. It serves as a warning sign, guiding us to evaluate situations, reevaluate our choices, and navigate through challenges.
The phrase "sinking feeling" expresses a sense of deep disappointment, despair, or apprehension. Its etymology can be traced back to the late 19th century.
The word "sinking" in this context comes from the verb "sink", which means to descend or go below the surface of a liquid, as in a sinking ship. The feeling of sinking is often associated with a negative emotional state.
The word "feeling" refers to a subjective experienced sensation or emotion. In this case, it represents the emotional state of apprehension or disappointment that accompanies the sinking sensation.
Together, "sinking feeling" metaphorically describes a sudden, unpleasant, and unsettling emotional experience, akin to the sinking of a physical object.