Sentiment Meaning
Sentiment Definition & Usage
A feeling, attitude, or opinion based on emotions or beliefs, often towards a particular situation, person, or object.
Examples
- "The sentiment in the room was one of optimism, as everyone eagerly anticipated the announcement."
- "Her sentiment towards the new policy was one of strong disapproval."
- "There is a general sentiment among the employees that the company is heading in the right direction."
- "The film received mixed sentiments from the critics, some praising its creativity while others criticized its plot."
- "Many expressed their sentiment of sadness after hearing the news of the charity's closure."
The general mood or emotional tone of a situation, group, or piece of work.
Examples
- "The sentiment of the audience was electric after the final performance of the play."
- "The sentiment in the community changed drastically after the environmental disaster."
- "Despite the political tension, there was a hopeful sentiment throughout the meeting."
- "The artist’s work captured the melancholic sentiment of the era perfectly."
- "There was a bitter sentiment among the locals following the controversial decision."
A general attitude or opinion expressed in the analysis of public feedback, particularly in market research, surveys, and social media.
Examples
- "The sentiment analysis revealed that most customers were satisfied with the new product."
- "Through sentiment tracking on social media, the company discovered a surge in positive feedback."
- "The sentiment surrounding the brand's latest campaign was overwhelmingly favorable."
- "Analyzing sentiment trends can help predict consumer behavior and improve brand loyalty."
- "Negative sentiment in customer reviews pointed to issues with the product’s quality."
Cultural Context
The word 'sentiment' originates from the Latin 'sentire', meaning 'to feel'. It first appeared in English in the 18th century and was used to describe a person's emotional or mental state. Over time, the word expanded in usage to encompass not only personal feelings but also broader societal emotions, such as political sentiment or public opinion.
The Changing Sentiments of a Small Town
Story
The Changing Sentiments of a Small Town
In the small town of Brooksville, the annual Harvest Festival was always a time for community unity and joyful celebration. This year, however, there was a palpable shift in the air. As Sarah walked down Main Street, she could feel the sentiment of the crowd. The excitement that had once characterized the event was now tinged with something else—anxiety, perhaps even bitterness. The town had been struggling for months with the closure of the local factory, and the sentiment among the workers was one of frustration and uncertainty. ‘This used to be such a happy occasion,’ Sarah said to her friend Mark, who was busy setting up the booth for the town’s bakery. ‘Now it feels different. Everyone’s just going through the motions.’ Mark nodded. ‘Yeah, the sentiment’s definitely changed. People aren’t as excited as they used to be. It’s like everyone’s lost hope.’ Later that day, Sarah attended the town hall meeting, where the mayor addressed the crowd. Despite his optimistic speech about future economic plans, the sentiment in the room was far from optimistic. The community’s trust had been eroded, and no amount of political rhetoric seemed to lift the mood. However, there was a flicker of hope when an older woman, who had lived in Brooksville all her life, stood up. ‘We’ve been through tough times before,’ she said, her voice steady. ‘And we’ve always come out stronger. The sentiment may be low now, but we can change that.’ Her words sparked a shift. For the first time in months, people began to talk not just about what had been lost, but about what could still be saved. By the end of the evening, Sarah’s feelings about the town had changed. The sentiment that had been heavy with despair began to feel more like a shared resolve—a belief that together, they could rebuild what had been broken. It wasn’t the same sentiment that had existed before, but it was something stronger. And that, Sarah thought, might be enough.
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