outward emotion

USAGE SUMMARY

"outward emotion" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe feelings that are visibly expressed or displayed. Example: "Her outward emotion was evident as she spoke about her experiences." Alternative expressions include "visible emotion" and "expressed feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Here, the lack of outward emotion was a positive.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Geoghan watched the proceedings with little outward emotion.

The New York Times

The deserter shows little outward emotion, but is clearly traumatised by the experience.

The Guardian

Nothing needs to be enhanced by way of outward emotion because it is already supplied by the steps".

The New York Times - Arts

But Catt showed no outward emotion during the hearing and she was described by police afterwards as "cold and calculating".

The Guardian

Sergeant Bryan, a tall man in dress greens, has watched intently, but without outward emotion, as his present and former fellow troops have taken the stand.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It is difficult to understand what she is thinking due to her rarely showing any outward emotions and her way of talking bluntly.

Wikipedia

"They're similar in the fact of their intensity and their preparation, but Chris is not anything like KG as far as his outward emotions," Rivers said.

Los Angeles Times

Using blogs and poetry may reveal only the outward-facing emotions people are willing to share, or even simply created to fashion how they want to be remembered.

The Guardian

Both thinkers argued that facial expressions are not just the outward manifestations of emotion, but vital links in the unconscious neurological processes that create emotion.

The New York Times - Health

When it comes to self-management, a lot of leaders learn to manage the outward expression of emotion but don't have a clue about how to deal with deep-seated emotions such as insecurity or how they feel about power and authority.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "outward emotion" when you want to emphasize the observable or expressed aspect of a feeling, rather than the internal experience. For example, "Despite his grief, he showed little outward emotion."

Common error

Avoid assuming that a lack of "outward emotion" necessarily indicates a lack of inner feeling. People process and express emotions differently, and suppressing outward displays doesn't negate the presence of internal emotions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outward emotion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It refers to the observable manifestation of feelings, as supported by Ludwig's examples demonstrating its use in describing behavior and reactions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outward emotion" is a noun phrase used to describe the visible expression of feelings. Ludwig's analysis, including examples from various sources, confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in contexts such as news reporting, scientific studies, and general discussions. The phrase serves to describe how someone’s inner emotions are manifested externally, and it carries a neutral tone that makes it suitable for different levels of formality. Remember to avoid assuming that a lack of "outward emotion" means a lack of any emotion at all as humans express themselves in various ways.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotional expression

A general way to reference emotions being expressed.

open display of feelings

Highlights the open and unobstructed exhibition of emotions.

visible feelings

Emphasizes the visibility of the emotions, making it clear they are noticeable.

apparent emotional state

Focuses on the perceived or evident emotional condition of an individual.

expressed sentiments

Highlights the communication of feelings, either verbally or non-verbally.

manifestation of emotion

Emphasizes that emotion is showing up externally.

displayed affect

Focuses on the observable manifestation of emotions, often in a clinical or psychological context.

behavioral emotion

Describes emotions that show in behavior.

public demeanor

Highlights the way someone behaves in public, showing their emotional state.

facial expression

Refers specifically to emotions conveyed through the face.

FAQs

How can I use "outward emotion" in a sentence?

You can use "outward emotion" to describe how someone expresses their feelings. For example, "Despite the difficult news, she showed little "outward emotion"."

What are some alternatives to "outward emotion"?

Some alternatives include "visible feelings", "expressed sentiments", or "displayed affect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to judge someone based on their lack of "outward emotion"?

It's generally not appropriate, as individuals express emotions differently. A lack of "outward emotion" doesn't necessarily mean someone is indifferent or unaffected.

What's the difference between "outward emotion" and inward feelings?

"Outward emotion" refers to the observable expression of feelings, while inward feelings are the internal, personal experience of those emotions. Someone might experience strong inward feelings but choose not to show much "outward emotion".