Sentimentality

Sentimentality is the excessive expression of feelings, especially of love, sadness, or nostalgia. It often involves a contrived or exaggerated display of emotion, sometimes to an unrealistic degree, or a tendency to be moved by emotions that are not fully justified. It can involve an indulgence in feeling or overly tender, or tearful emotional states. sentimentality is typically viewed as a negative trait, associated with a lack of genuine emotional depth or a manipulation of feeling for effect. It can also manifest as a clinging to idealized or romanticized views of the past or present, often to the detriment of a clear-eyed assessment of reality.

Sentimentality meaning with examples

• The film's reliance on a predictable plot and melodramatic music led critics to dismiss it as pure sentimentality. Its tear-jerking scenes felt forced and unearned, failing to resonate with the audience's genuine emotional experience. Instead, it focused on clichéd representations of love and loss, leading many to criticize the film's narrative.
• He accused the politician of using sentimentality in his speeches, exploiting people's feelings about family and patriotism to gain support, rather than addressing complex issues with practical solutions. His promises were hollow, designed for an emotional response and not realistic political action.
• The author's prose often veered into sentimentality, with overly descriptive passages and characters prone to histrionic displays of emotion, which distracted from the story's core. Readers found it difficult to connect to the characters when they were seemingly driven by nothing but raw emotions, rather than reason.
• She was warned by her friends about the danger of sentimentality after her dog passed. Reminiscing about their shared memories for hours on end and replaying happy experiences would make it harder to move on. A constant state of mourning and longing, would not allow her to heal.
• The antique shop was filled with items that appealed to people's sentimentality, from faded photographs to vintage toys. Many found it difficult to buy the products, as they held a sentimental value which they found difficult to sell. It was designed to draw an emotional reaction.