Nostalgic vs. Sentimental: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 17, 2023
Nostalgic is not an incorrect spelling of Sentimental; both are correct but convey different emotions. "Sentimental" refers to being led by feelings, especially affectionate or nostalgic feelings.

Key Differences
Differentiate by meaning: "Nostalgic" involves a wistful longing for the past, "Sentimental" implies emotional attachment or overemotional responses.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
"Nostalgic" originates from "nostalgia," focusing on the past; "Sentimental" relates to "sentiment," indicating emotions in general.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Recall "nostalgic" has "past" within, pointing to its connection to the past; "Sentimental" contains "mental," indicating a state of mind.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
"Nostalgic" is specific to memories, while "Sentimental" broadly applies to any emotions or feelings.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
"Nostalgic" often relates to happy personal memories, whereas "Sentimental" can be for both happy and sad emotions.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 17, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Nostalgic and Sentimental Definitions
Sentimental
Having, showing, or caused by an exaggerated emotion or sentimentalism.
The song had sentimental lyrics, evoking deep emotions.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 17, 2023
Sentimental
Of or prompted by feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia.
She values sentimental gifts more than expensive ones.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Sentimental
Excessively prone to feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia.
He is too sentimental when watching romantic movies.

Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
Sentimental
Having or arousing feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia.
She kept the sentimental letter from her first love.

Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Sentimental
Appealing to the emotions excessively.
Critics described the film as predictably sentimental.

Sara Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Sentimental
Having, showing, or caused by emotion, especially tender or affectionate feeling
I have sentimental ties to the small town I grew up in.

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Sentimental
Having, showing, or caused by strong or extravagant tenderness or sadness, often in an idealized way
"He had no sentimental illusions about poverty's virtues" (Sherill Tippins).

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Sentimental
Derived from emotion rather than reason; of or caused by sentiment.

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Sentimental
Having, expressing, or containing a sentiment or sentiments; abounding with moral reflections; containing a moral reflection; didactic.
Nay, ev'n each moral sentimental stroke,Where not the character, but poet, spoke,He lopped, as foreign to his chaste design,Nor spared a useless, though a golden line.

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Sentimental
Inclined to sentiment; having an excess of sentiment or sensibility; indulging the sensibilities for their own sake; artificially or affectedly tender; - often in a reproachful sense.
A sentimental mind is rather prone to overwrought feeling and exaggerated tenderness.

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Sentimental
Addressed or pleasing to the emotions only, usually to the weaker and the unregulated emotions.

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Sentimental
Effusively or insincerely emotional;
A bathetic novel
Maudlin expressons of sympathy
Mushy effusiveness
A schmaltzy song
Sentimental soap operas
Slushy poetry

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
FAQs
What is the root word of Sentimental?
The root word is "sentiment," which refers to an emotion or feeling.

Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
What is the pronunciation of Sentimental?
It is pronounced as /ˌsen.tɪˈmen.t̬əl/.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Why is it called Sentimental?
It's called "Sentimental" because it pertains to or is influenced by sentiment or feelings.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Which vowel is used before Sentimental?
There is no specific vowel that comes before "Sentimental."

Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
Which conjunction is used with Sentimental?
There's no specific conjunction used exclusively with "Sentimental"; it depends on the sentence.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
What is the singular form of Sentimental?
"Sentimental" itself is a singular form.

Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
What is the verb form of Sentimental?
There isn't a verb form of "Sentimental"; however, you could use "sentimentalize."

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Which preposition is used with Sentimental?
Prepositions like "about," "towards," and "over" can be used with "Sentimental."

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
What is the plural form of Sentimental?
As an adjective, "Sentimental" does not have a plural form.

Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
Is the Sentimental term a metaphor?
On its own, it's not a metaphor, but it can be used metaphorically in speech or writing.

Sara Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Is the word Sentimental imperative?
No, "Sentimental" is not imperative; it's an adjective.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 17, 2023
Is Sentimental an abstract noun?
It's not a noun; it's an adjective describing a state of emotion.

Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
What is a stressed syllable in Sentimental?
The stressed syllable is on the second syllable: "ti."

Aimie Carlson
Oct 17, 2023
Is Sentimental a collective noun?
No, "Sentimental" is an adjective, not a collective noun.

Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
How do we divide Sentimental into syllables?
It is divided as sen-ti-men-tal.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
What is the opposite of Sentimental?
Opposites include "unsentimental," "stoic," or "apathetic."

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Which article is used with Sentimental?
Both "a" and "the" can be used with "Sentimental," depending on the context.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Is Sentimental a noun or adjective?
"Sentimental" is primarily used as an adjective.

Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
Is Sentimental a vowel or consonant?
"Sentimental" is a word, not a letter; it contains both vowels and consonants.

Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
How many syllables are in Sentimental?
There are four syllables in "Sentimental."

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
What is the second form of Sentimental?
It doesn't have a second form as it's an adjective.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
What is the third form of Sentimental?
It doesn't have a third form as it's an adjective.

Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
How is Sentimental used in a sentence?
In a sentence: "The bride became sentimental when her father gave a touching speech at the wedding."

Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
What is another term for Sentimental?
Synonyms include "emotional," "mawkish," or "romantic."

Sara Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
What is the first form of Sentimental?
As an adjective, it doesn't have forms like verbs do; it's "Sentimental."

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Is Sentimental a negative or positive word?
It is neutral and depends on context, but can sometimes have a negative connotation if it implies excessive emotionality.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Which determiner is used with Sentimental?
Determiners like "this," "that," "her," and "my" can be used, depending on context.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 17, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.

Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
