Emotion Meaning

UK /ɪˈməʊʃən/
US /ɪˈmoʊʃən/
Word Definition
emotion meaning

Emotion Definition & Usage

noun

A strong feeling that arises in response to a particular stimulus, which can be either positive or negative. Emotions can affect thought processes, behaviors, and bodily responses.

Examples

  • "She felt an overwhelming emotion as she walked through her childhood home for the last time."
  • "His emotions got the better of him during the interview, and he struggled to maintain composure."
  • "The movie stirred a variety of emotions in the audience, from joy to sadness."
  • "Emotion plays a significant role in decision-making, often influencing people more than logic."
  • "It's difficult to control your emotions when you're under so much stress."
noun

The expression of feelings through art, literature, music, or performance.

Examples

  • "The novel's use of emotion as a central theme made it a powerful piece of literature."
  • "Through his music, the composer conveyed deep emotion without a single word."
  • "The film's emotional climax left the audience in tears."
  • "Her poetry was filled with raw emotion, expressing the pain of loss."
  • "Artists often try to capture emotion in their work, making it resonate with viewers on a personal level."

Cultural Context

The word 'emotion' comes from the Latin 'emotio', which means 'a moving, agitation' derived from 'emovere', meaning 'to move out, to stir up'. Emotions have been central to human experience, influencing art, philosophy, and psychology across cultures. The study of emotions dates back to early Greek philosophers, and in modern times, it has become a major area of research in psychology.

The Power of Emotion

Story

The Power of Emotion

It was a chilly autumn evening, and Emma walked alone through the deserted streets of her childhood town. The familiar sights stirred a powerful emotion within her, memories flooding back with every step. She paused in front of the old oak tree where she and her sister had once played for hours, laughter echoing in her mind. Now, it seemed only the wind whispered the remnants of joy. Her heart ached with a mix of nostalgia and sadness. Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden call from her phone. It was an invitation to an art gallery opening from a close friend. The gallery was known for its exhibitions focused on the exploration of emotion through modern art. Emma, always interested in the intersection of art and feeling, decided to go. Upon entering the gallery, she was immediately struck by a painting of an abstract face, distorted with vivid colors that conveyed an intensity of emotion. The brushstrokes seemed to pulse with anger, yet in its chaos, Emma could sense a deep sorrow as well. She couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed. The art was so raw, so expressive, it evoked the very emotion she had been trying to avoid all evening. As she wandered from one painting to another, Emma felt the power of emotion in every piece—some works brought joy, others anger or fear, but all of them shared one thing in common: they made her feel something deep. She had always believed that emotion was a personal, internal experience, but tonight, she realized that emotion was also universal—it could be shared, communicated, and experienced collectively. Leaving the gallery, Emma felt a newfound appreciation for the way emotions could connect people, even in ways they didn’t fully understand. The art had shown her that emotion, whether in its rawest form or carefully crafted expression, was the heartbeat of both human experience and creative work.

The Power of Emotion