emotionalism
UK[ɪˈməʊʃ(ə)nəlɪz(ə)m]US[ɪˈmoʊʃ(ə)nəlɪz(ə)m]
n
The tendency to rely on or display emotion, especially in an excessive way.
n
An artistic or philosophical theory emphasizing the importance of emotion.
Morpheme Breakdown
emotion
al
ism
emotion
al
of, relating to
ism
Etymology
The word 'emotionalism' is a modern English construction, built upon the foundation of the noun 'emotion'. This core term originates from the Latin verb emovere, meaning "to move out, remove, or agitate," which itself is composed of e- (out) and movere (to move). The suffix -al was added to form the adjective 'emotional,' describing something pertaining to or characterized by emotion. Finally, the abstract noun-forming suffix -ism was appended, a borrowing from Greek -ismos that denotes a distinctive doctrine, practice, or condition. Thus, the literal morphemic journey—from the physical sense of "moving out" to the internal agitation of feelings, and finally to a named state or doctrine centered on those feelings—logically culminates in the modern meaning of a tendency or theory prioritizing emotion.
Analysis
Structure: emotion + al + ism
- emotion: From Latin emovere (to move out, agitate), via French émotion. Functions as the core noun root.
- al: A Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives meaning "of, relating to" (e.g., emotional).
- ism: A Greek-derived suffix (via Latin -ismus) forming nouns denoting a distinctive practice, system, or philosophy.
Examples
The critic dismissed the poet's work as mere sentimental emotionalism.
His political speeches were often charged with a raw emotionalism that resonated with the crowd.
The philosophical movement stood in opposition to the cold rationality of the era, advocating instead for a kind of romantic emotionalism.