Sentimental

Sentimental describes a person or thing that is strongly influenced by emotion, often in an excessive or mawkish way. It frequently involves an overindulgence in feelings, especially those of nostalgia, tenderness, or sadness. Sentimental individuals or objects tend to attach significant emotional value to past experiences, memories, or possessions, sometimes to a degree that others find exaggerated or overly dramatic. The word implies a heightened sensitivity and a tendency to react emotionally in situations where a more objective or practical approach might be expected. It can also indicate a fondness for idealized or romanticized notions. This can be related to objects such as toys, photos and letters which tend to evoke emotional responses.

Sentimental meaning with examples

• She kept all of her old love letters, treasuring them as Sentimental reminders of a past relationship. The dog-eared pages and faded ink brought tears to her eyes, reminding her of youthful joy and heartache. These possessions were more than just paper; they were tangible connections to cherished moments, solidifying the Sentimental value she placed on them.
• The movie's soundtrack, filled with sweeping orchestral scores, aimed to evoke a Sentimental response from the audience. The composer understood the power of music to manipulate emotions and create a specific mood. Certain scenes were intentionally crafted to pull at heartstrings, using familiar melodies and poignant visuals to reinforce the Sentimental atmosphere and make people cry.
• The old family home, filled with generations of memories, held significant Sentimental importance for the children. They remember childhood days of laughter, shared meals, and holiday gatherings. When the time came to sell the property, the decision was made with great emotion, and they were reluctant to let go of their Sentimental attachment to the place they grew up, creating a new attachment.
• After receiving a letter, John became nostalgic and Sentimental about his childhood, as he recalled games he used to play, friendships he made, and family traditions. He spent the afternoon looking through old photo albums, each image triggering a flood of memories. The letter triggered the beginning of a Sentimental journey, taking him back to the simple joys and innocence of his youth.