emotional

Showing stronger feelings than usual, especially sadness or excitement.

• She became emotional during the speech.
• He sounded emotional when he called.
• Why do you get so emotional about this?

How to use it: emotional about something (He gets emotional about his childhood.)

Opposites: unemotional

Common phrases: become emotional, emotional speech, get emotional

So full of feelings that you are close to crying.

• I felt emotional at the wedding.
• She became emotional when her brother returned.
• His voice grew emotional as he thanked his parents.

How to use it: emotional about something (She felt emotional about leaving home.)

Similar words: moved, overcome

Common phrases: feel emotional, become emotional, emotional farewell

Based on strong feelings rather than careful thought.

• It was an emotional decision.
• His emotional reaction made the discussion difficult.
• Try to avoid emotional arguments when choosing a school.

Similar words: feeling-based

Opposites: rational, logical

Common phrases: emotional decision, emotional response, emotional reasons

Easily affected by feelings, especially when something is sad or touching.

• I’m an emotional person.
• Her emotional nature makes sad films hard to watch.
• He has always been emotional and easily moved.

Similar words: sensitive

Opposites: unemotional

Common phrases: emotional person, emotional nature, very emotional