a complex sentiment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complex sentiment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing feelings or emotions that are intricate or multifaceted, often in contexts related to literature, psychology, or personal reflections. Example: "Her reaction to the news was a complex sentiment, blending joy, sadness, and relief all at once."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Without even realizing it, you are expressing a complex sentiment.

TechCrunch

We emphasize at the outset that we are studying a complex sentiment, which has at least two components, 'wanting' and 'preference'preference

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Ultimately our moral sense or conscience becomes a highly complex sentiment," Darwin concluded, "originating in the social instincts, largely guided by the approbation of our fellow-men, ruled by reason, self-interest, and in later times by deep religious feelings, and confirmed by instruction and habit".

Forbes

Second, a general psychological principle explains how it is possible for competing emotions to produce a complex, pleasing sentiment.

SEP

Like romantic and maternal love which we reported on previously (Bartels and Zeki 2001, 2004) [1], [2], hate is a complex biological sentiment which throughout history has impelled individuals to heroic as well as evil deeds.

Plosone

The look your tabby roommate gave you while unspooling your knit sweater may have seemed to say, "I regard you as a lower, servile life-form," but Socks is incapable of such complex sentiment.

The New Yorker

The work's complex sentiment – not nearly as cutesy as first appears – and volte face ending also set the work in a category of its own, though recent successful productions by Opera North and Opera Holland Park have helped the cause.

The Guardian - Music

She begins to sing the famous Harry Ruby-BerThreemar "Three Little Words" but cuts herself off to explain that the familiar admission may be simple but the underlying emotion isn't and that she intends to explore the many, often conflicting feelings that come bidden or unbidden with, as she maintains, the ultimately complex sentiment.

Huffington Post

Before surgery, the patient gave the physician a letter outlining the complex sentiments of a woman who had been diagnosed with breast cancer and faced the choice of continuing to live and having her breast removed.

BMC Medical Ethics

The public's reaction was more positive, but often came laden with complex sentiments and anxieties that are the legacy of a shared history of awful wartime violence, yield-no-quarter ideological jousting and harshly contrasting economic fates.

The New York Times

The remaining student in this group expressed more complex sentiments regarding certain "negative" stereotypes.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, ensure that the sentiment is clearly defined and its complexity is relevant to your analysis or argument.

Common error

Avoid reducing a "complex sentiment" to a single, simplistic label. Acknowledge and explore the multiple factors contributing to the overall feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complex sentiment" functions as a noun phrase where "complex" modifies the noun "sentiment". It describes a feeling or emotion characterized by multiple interconnected components. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complex sentiment" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe intricate and multifaceted emotions or feelings. Ludwig AI confirms this. It appears in both news/media and scientific contexts, suggesting a versatile yet somewhat formal register. While not overly common, it effectively conveys the idea that a particular sentiment involves multiple layers and is not easily simplified. When using this phrase, it's important to provide sufficient context to help your audience grasp the specific nuances involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a nuanced emotion

This alternative emphasizes the subtle and intricate aspects of the emotion, suggesting a delicate understanding.

a layered feeling

This highlights the multiple levels and interconnected elements within the feeling.

a multifaceted emotion

This directly points to the many different aspects and dimensions of the emotion.

an intricate feeling

This suggests that the feeling is elaborately detailed and carefully constructed.

a complicated emotion

A more straightforward synonym indicating difficulty in understanding or dealing with the emotion.

a deep-seated feeling

This highlights the firmly established or difficult-to-remove nature of the sentiment.

a profound emotion

This suggests the emotion is intense and has a significant impact.

a mixed emotion

This indicates a combination of different emotions experienced simultaneously.

a conflicted sentiment

This describes a sentiment marked by internal disagreement or opposition.

a tangled emotion

This suggests that the emotion is confusing and difficult to unravel.

FAQs

How can I use "a complex sentiment" in a sentence?

Use "a complex sentiment" to describe feelings or emotions that are intricate and multifaceted. For example: "Her reaction was a "complex sentiment", blending both relief and regret."

What's a good alternative to "a complex sentiment"?

Alternatives include "a nuanced emotion", "a layered feeling", or "a multifaceted emotion", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a complex sentiment"?

It's appropriate when describing emotions or feelings that involve multiple layers, nuances, or conflicting elements. It's often used in contexts related to personal reflection, literature, or psychology.

Is "a complex sentiment" more formal than "a complicated feeling"?

Yes, "a complex sentiment" generally carries a more formal and sophisticated tone compared to "a complicated feeling". The former is often found in academic or literary contexts, while the latter is more common in everyday conversation.